The Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA) Maritime Group, in partnership with the Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) hosted the first forum on Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) at the Golden Ballroom of Okada Manila on May 12th, aimed to protect not only seafarers’ careers and livelihoods, but also the global reputation of Filipino maritime professionals.
Atty. Iris Baguilat, ALMA Chairperson, said, “Since 2024 over 200 Filipino seafarers have faced consequences related to CSAM: careers ended, visas revoked, families without income.”
Capt. Antonio Ladera, ALMA President, stated, “This forum marks the formal launch of an industry-wide advocacy campaign guided by the directive of the US embassy and formalize through ALMA memorandum circular no. 2026-02 our industry is moving towards a proactive, zero tolerance framework.”
The circular requires all members of the Manning Agency Accreditation Program to confirm that they check seafarers for any CSAM-related history before hiring. Agencies now provide mandatory training and briefings before deployment to teach crew members about CSAM prevention and the legal risks of digital content.
“Let us be clear. This not merely a violation of company policy. It is a grave criminal offence under the Philippines and US law,” Ladera stated.
The forum’s speakers include: Atty. Bernard Olalia, Undersecretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW); RAdm. Loumer Bernabe, Deputy Administrator for Operations of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA); Mr. Robert Romanowski, Visa Chief of the United States Embassy in the Philippines; Mr. Richard Brearley, VP of Crew and Travel Operations of Carnival Cruise Line (CCL); Mr. Ricardo Karakadze, AVP Global Security of Carnival Corporation; Mr. Migs Cariaga, Director of Carnival’s Team Member Center; Mr. Arnold Javier, President of Magsaysay Maritime Corporation (MMC) Ms. Katherine Avelino, SVP for Cruise Operations, Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC); Atty. Jose Adolfo Cruz, President, United Philippines Lines (UPL); and Atty. Carmela Magpantay, Director, CF Sharp Crew Management.
************* Full report on Marino World magazine’s May-June Day of the Seafarer Edition