In March 2024, Rappler reported that Filipino seafarers sailing through high-risk areas, including the Gulf of Aden, will be able to assert their right to refuse sailing. Further, Rappler reported that labour suppliers who do not inform authorities that ships with Filipino workers on them will pass through the high-risk Red Sea and Gulf of Aden will face penalties.

The article notes attacks have taken place in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden by Houthi rebels claiming solidarity with Palestine and Hamas. The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden was designated a high-risk area in February by the International Transport Workers Federation and International Bargaining Forum.

At the end of March 2024, Inquirer.Net reported that the Department of Migrant Workers in the Philippines said employers must enable workers to freely decide whether they would like to refuse sailing, and that they should ensure workers had access to information relating to the high-risk areas. Those who refuse sailing should be repatriated safely. Those who agree to sail should be compensated and provided with additional safety measures.