Filipino seafarers deported from US say they were coerced

The U.S. has so far deported at least 93 Filipino seafarers this year over alleged child pornography offenses despite no criminal charges being filed and no evidence presented, according to Philippine officials.

In the latest wave on August 17, 28 crew members of the Carnival Sunshine docked in Norfolk, Virginia, were removed from their posts, stripped of their C1/D visas and given 10-year bans from returning to the U.S. Workers say they were forced to sign deportation orders under threats of prison sentences and heavy fines.

Marcelo Morales, a cook on a Carnival cruise ship, recalled being questioned for hours. “I spent around three hours in interrogation, where they were forcing me to admit that I was watching child pornography. I vehemently denied that I watch that kind of content,” he told This Week in Asia. He said officers pressured him to accept deportation, adding, “They told me that it was better for me to go home to the Philippines and be with my family, instead of being imprisoned in the US for five to 10 years with a $250,000 fine.”

Other seafarers gave similar accounts. Earlson Jasmer Gamboa said officers threatened him with fines and prison if he did not sign deportation papers. “They told me I would pay a $250,000 fine and serve 10 years in prison if I did not sign. But they didn’t find anything, I don’t have any kind of pornography,” he said.

Another worker, Romeo Samonte, explained that his case stemmed from a private family video. “They found a video of me and my wife kissing our 3-year-old son. But I never exploited, I never shared it,” he said.

Migrant Workers Undersecretary Bernard Olalia confirmed that none of the deported seafarers have been criminally charged in the U.S. “The [93 seafarers] were never arrested for having in possession of child pornographic materials. There is no case. No charges were filed,” Olalia said. Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the deportations were carried out without explanation beyond U.S. sovereignty claims.

The deported workers have since returned to the Philippines facing unemployment and stigma in the maritime sector, where even unproven accusations can prevent them from securing new contracts. “All of the workers absolutely denied having anything to do with child pornography,” said Aquilina Soriano Versoza of the Pilipino Workers Center.

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) said he is seeking answers from federal authorities, noting that “everyone is entitled to due process regardless of citizenship or immigration status.”

 

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