Overseas workers, seafarers included, are not exempted from laws regarding the possession, viewing, and sharing of online pornographic material, especially if it contains child sexual abuse.
This was the statement of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) during the launching of the campaign against Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) last Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Migrant Workers Undersecretary Bernard Olalia said that violators, if proven guilty, will be punished.
“Deportation is not the main issue; it is just a consequence of the violation,” Olalia said, in reference to the series of arrests and deportations of Filipino crew members from cruise liners.
A significant increase in the number of Filipino seafarers denied entry to US ports was recorded by the industry, with nearly 100 having been deported in 2025. These arrested crew members were also imposed with a lifetime ban from entering the United States.
The latest in this string of arrests involved 26 Filipino crew members of Disney Cruise Line. The Filipinos were among the 28 crew members arrested by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in San Diego as part of a federal crackdown on child pornography.
The arrests took place between April 23 and April 27 after a raid on eight cruise ships “as part of ongoing Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM) enforcement operations,” a CBP spokesperson said in a separate interview.
The statement furthered that 27 of the 28 crew members were involved in either the receipt, possession, transportation, distribution, or viewing of CSEM. The CBP has also canceled their visas.
“This has become a critical concern, and we will address the issue proactively through education and awareness,” Olalia said.
“A prominent number of seafarers continue to violate US and Philippine laws; this includes viewing, downloading, and sharing CSAM. CSAM is illegal in both our countries. There are no exceptions; perpetrators will be held accountable,” US Embassy Consular Section Visa Chief Robert Romanowski said.
He furthered that strong cooperation between governments, law enforcement, tech companies, and maritime employers is needed.
“Seafarers must understand that viewing, possessing, or sharing CSAM has serious consequences. We are committed to working with manning agencies, cruise lines, and the Philippine government to protect children and ensure that Filipino seafarers understand these laws and consequences before they board vessels,” Romanowski added.
According to Ricardo Karakadze, assistant vice president for maritime security of Carnival Corporation, CBP agents are using sophisticated technology to inspect gadgets for any “digital contraband” and the digital footprints of users.
“Border inspection now includes devices and social media; these are subject to scrutiny. Your digital footprint travels with you. Technological competence is no longer enough; we also have to be aware and responsible,” agreed Arnold Javier, president of Magsaysay Maritime Corporation.
Protecting PHL Seafarers from Unjust Arrest
Karakadze emphasized that despite these crackdowns on CSAM, arrested seafarers comprise different nationalities.
“This is a global issue. The U.S. government is not singling out Filipinos,” he said.
“We are deeply committed to protecting seafarers from unjust exposure. We do not want innocent crew falling into an unjust process. Our goal is prevention through education,” Karakadze added.
Capt. Antonio Ladera, president of the Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA), also clarified that the launching of the campaign to fight CSAM is not created to sow fear, but is the industry’s way of protecting Filipino seafarers, their jobs, and the livelihoods of their families.
“This campaign is to ensure that Filipino seafarers are informed and compliant, that there will be zero deportations or incidents, and that there will be total protection for our crew,” he said.
This was echoed by RAdm Loumer Bernabe, Deputy Administrator for Operations of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Bernabe stated that the campaign against CSAM is also about protecting the dignity and profession of seafarers.
“Digital responsibility is now a part of our profession. We must also ensure that Filipino seafarers are supported, protected, and guided,” he said.
“This is about protecting our seafarers at every level. One mistake, especially in the digital space, can cost them their career, their ability to work abroad, and the livelihood of their families. In today’s changing workforce landscape, where global scrutiny is higher and competition is tighter, we cannot afford to lose opportunities because of preventable risks,” said Atty. Iris Baguilat, chairperson of ALMA.
