Tulfo pushes ship CCTV mandate after missing seafarers

Senator Raffy Tulfo urged the government to implement a new policy requiring all ships, both foreign and local, to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems in critical areas such as railings, cabin portals, and exit points.

Tulfo made this call during a Senate hearing on Thursday, March 6, citing cases of five missing seafarers including Ralph Anthony Bobiles who went missing on December 5, 2024.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac supported Tulfo's suggestion but noted that it would need to be raised through the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) by another government agency.

The DMW chief said they have long advocated for CCTV installation on ships and will pursue amendments to the implementing rules of regulations under the Magna Carta for Seafarers, with a meeting scheduled in Geneva.

Tulfo instructed the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to require domestic maritime vessels to install CCTV cameras as soon as possible, and MARINA promised to issue a Memorandum Circular on this matter.