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Incidences of above stated offenses involving our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly seafarers, continue to escalate despite repeated warnings and memorandum circulars relative thereto, issued by the Administration.

In view thereof, manning agencies with or without accredited PDOS programs, are hereby directed to join the campaign against drug trafficking and any form of smuggling including acting as accomplices of human smugglers by disseminating to their departing crew information regarding the same emphasizing the following:

1. Harsh penalties for said offenses.
   
   
2. Devastating effects of same on the good name and reputation of our seamen and the tremendous losses suffered by the principals;
   
   
3. The POEA imposes sanctions against OFWs found guilty of smuggling and drug trafficking; and
   
   
4. Adverse consequences of involvement in said offenses not only to the offenders but their loved ones and families as well.

Every departing seaman must be reminded that once caught and adjudged guilty, he should not expect the Philippine government to condone his transgressions.

For the information and strict compliance of all parties concerned.

Adopted: 18 Jan. 1999

(SGD.) REYNALDO A. REGALADO
Administrator