POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 07

: They are charged under US federal law for illegal drug smuggling, which carries serious penalties.
: A minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.
: It aims to educate and caution departing seafarers to avoid any dealings with drug traffickers or actions that may inadvertently put them in a compromising situation involving drugs.
: Drug dealers use seamen as couriers to transport cocaine via vessels to US ports.
: Because it involves trafficking of illegal drugs which threatens public safety and carries heavy penalties including imprisonment.
: The arrests have created a negative reflection on the national image of the Philippines abroad.
: Filipino seafarers are advised to avoid any dealings with drug traffickers and be cautious in their actions to avoid being implicated.
: While the warning focuses on the modus operandi involving US-bound vessels, the cautionary advice is generally relevant to all departing seafarers.