DFA: Filipino seafarers held by Iran to be released soon

MANILA, Philippines — The four Filipino seafarers who were on board a container ship seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards will soon be released, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday. 

Iranian authorities seized the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries on Saturday morning near the Strait of Hormuz, saying the container ship is related to Israel. 

In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the Filipino sailors are “fine” and are receiving food from the Iranians. They were also able to communicate with their families. 

“Of course, nobody wants to be in this situation. But they’ve been told they will be released soon—all of them,” De Vega said. 

The government is scheduled to meet with the Iranian ambassador to discuss the release of the seafarers.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have carried out dozens of missile and drone attacks against ships in the Red Sea. A missile attack in March killed three seafarers, including two Filipinos. 

In November, Houthi seized an Israel-linked cargo vessel, the Galaxy Leader. The crew, including 17 Filipino seafarers, are still being held. 

The Philippines is a major source of seafarers for the global maritime sector, comprising 25% of 1.5 million sea-based workers worldwide,

The Philippines on Monday expressed its serious concern over the increasing tensions between Israel and Iran.

Iran launched more than 200 drones and missiles on Israel in an unprecedented attack late Saturday. This assault comes against the backdrop of the six-month war in Gaza. — Gaea Katreena Cabico