Deported Pinoy seafarers testify on discrimination

Deported Pinoy seafarers testify on discrimination
Marc Jayson Cayabyab - August 14, 2025 https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/08/14/2465302/deported-pinoy-sea...

MANILA, Philippines — A group of seafarers testified before the Senate yesterday about the discrimination they said they suffered at the hands of US deportation agents under the Trump administration.

The deported seafarers were invited by Senate migrant workers committee chair Raffy Tulfo about their experience of allegedly being singled out by the US Customs and Border Protection during a July 21 raid on a cruise ship docked at the Port of Norfolk in Virginia.

Earlson Gamboa denied the allegation that they accessed online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) materials through their emails.

They said they were harassed by the US agents with arrest if they do not agree to deportation, and that the charges were fabricated.

Romeo Samonte, a cruise ship entertainer, until the agents stopped him at the airport upon seeing a photo of him kissing his three-year-old son.

The seamen denied possessing child sexual abuse materials.

Tulfo said the Filipino seafarers were singled out by the US agents and their rights to due process and consular representation violated.

Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Bernard Olalia said there have been 87 Filipino seafarers deported during the second Trump administration.

Twelve seafarers were arrested and charged for possession of OSAEC materials in the US.

Tulfo warned Filipino seafarers that the US has strict child protection laws.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo also expressed concerns about the deportation of Filipinos to harsh prisons like in El Salvador.