Purpose and policy intent
- The POEA requires participation in a campaign against drug trafficking and any form of smuggling involving overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly seafarers.
- The campaign response is driven by the escalation of smuggling and drug trafficking incidences involving OFWs despite repeated warnings and memorandum circulars previously issued.
- Manning agencies are directed to disseminate departing-crew information that emphasizes harsh penalties and the negative consequences of such offenses.
- OFWs are required to be reminded that the Philippine government will not condone transgressions once the offender is caught and adjudged guilty.
Coverage: who must participate
- Manning agencies with or without accredited PDOS programs must join the campaign against drug trafficking and smuggling.
- Manning agencies must participate through actions taken for their departing crew.
- The circular focuses on incidences involving OFWs, with special attention to seafarers.
What must be done: campaign dissemination
- Manning agencies must disseminate departing crew information regarding drug trafficking and any form of smuggling.
- Manning agencies must disseminate information that emphasizes that offenders face harsh penalties.
- Manning agencies must disseminate information emphasizing the devastating effects of these offenses on the good name and reputation of Philippine seamen and the tremendous losses suffered by the principals.
- Manning agencies must disseminate information that highlights POEA sanctions against OFWs found guilty of smuggling and drug trafficking.
- Manning agencies must disseminate information emphasizing adverse consequences of involvement for not only the offenders but also their loved ones and families.
- Every departing seaman must be reminded that once caught and adjudged guilty, the seaman should not expect the Philippine government to condone the transgression.
Prohibited conduct and accountability framing
- The circular targets drug trafficking and any form of smuggling as conduct for which harsh penalties apply.
- The circular frames involvement as misconduct that results in POEA sanctions for OFWs found guilty of smuggling and drug trafficking.
- The circular underscores accountability by requiring the warning that the government will not condone transgressions after adjudication of guilt.
Implementation directive and compliance requirement
- Manning agencies are directed to join the campaign and to disseminate departing-crew information.
- The circular requires strict compliance by all parties concerned.
- The dissemination must be done as part of the agencies’ responsibilities tied to crew departure, including for agencies operating with or without accredited PDOS programs.