09 June 2014 - In line with the Migrant Workers Day (June 7) and the International “Day of the Seafarer,” the Philippine Embassy in Manama, Bahrain conducted a Lecture on Maritime Security last June 03 at the chancery.

The lecture was delivered by Philippine Navy Captain Antonio Palces, the Philippines’ Senior National Representative (SNR) to the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).  The activity was attended by embassy personnel and about 60 Filipino community leaders.

During the lecture, it was emphasized that the Philippines supplies one-third of the world’s seafarers, that the merchant shipping sector transports 90% of goods in global trade, that 126 vessels fly the Philippine flag and operate on international routes, and that the Day of the Seafarer (June 25) was declared by the International Maritime Organization during the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila.

The lecture discussed the problem of maritime piracy in the CMF area of operations (Somali Basin, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Gulf), and outlined the contributions of the Philippine Government in international counter piracy efforts under the CMF framework, including its membership and participation, through the SNR, in the 30-nation coalition. In particular, the lecture discussed the CMF’s operating environment, strategic importance to the Philippines, leadership and membership, the legal framework under which the coalition operates, and its missions and the latest accomplishments of the different combined task forces (CTF).

Also discussed were the economic cost of piracy, data on piracy incidents, Best Management Practices (BMPs) for vessels and crew, and the services rendered by the Philippine Government to Filipino crew under pirate control and their families.  END