Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 04)
The primary purpose is to direct manning agencies to join the campaign against drug trafficking and smuggling activities involving overseas Filipino workers, particularly seafarers, and to disseminate information about the harsh penalties and consequences of such offenses.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), particularly seafarers, are the main subjects targeted by the campaign.
Manning agencies, whether with or without accredited PDOS programs, are required to disseminate information about drug trafficking and smuggling offenses, including penalties, effects on reputation, and consequences to offenders and their families, to departing crew members.
Key points include harsh penalties for such offenses, devastating effects on the seamen's reputation, losses to principals, POEA sanctions against offenders, and adverse consequences for the offenders and their families.
POEA imposes sanctions on OFWs found guilty of these offenses, which may include penalties, blacklisting, or denial of future deployment.
No, the memorandum clearly states that the Philippine government does not condone these transgressions.
Reynaldo A. Regalado, Administrator, signed the memorandum.
The campaign includes offenses related to drug trafficking, smuggling, and acting as accomplices of human smugglers.
Dissemination is emphasized to educate crew members about the serious legal and personal consequences of involvement in smuggling and drug trafficking, to deter such activities, and to protect their reputation and that of the country.
Manning agencies are legally directed to comply strictly with the memorandum by educating departing seamen about the offenses and penalties and joining the government's campaign against smuggling and drug trafficking.