U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has deported 26 Filipino seafarers following a major operation targeting child pornography. The arrests took place from April 23 to April 27 in San Diego, where agents boarded eight cruise ships.
In total, 28 crew members were taken into custody, including one individual from Portugal and another from Indonesia. Officials confirmed that the majority were involved in various offenses related to child sexual exploitation material.
The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles confirmed the deportation, expressing concern over the situation. They emphasized that the detained individuals would receive assistance upon their return to the Philippines.
Disney Cruise, one of the companies affected, stated it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for such actions and cooperated fully with law enforcement. The company clarified that most of those arrested were not its employees.
The Philippine government has been proactive in addressing these issues, recently warning seafarers about the risks of child pornography and other criminal activities during seminars.
Impact on Filipino Seafarers
The Philippine Consulate reiterated its commitment to support affected citizens. They have coordinated with the Department of Migrant Workers to ensure that returning seafarers receive necessary assistance.
The CBP applies their own inspection and admissibility review of foreign nationals based on prevailing U.S. laws, which precludes external intervention.
Philippine Consulate General