By Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday assured that the 15 Filipino seafarers aboard the two vessels seized by Iranian authorities near the Strait of Hormuz remain safe and unharmed.
In an online briefing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac also assured that the Philippine government has heightened the monitoring of maritime conditions in the Persian Gulf.
On Wednesday, the MV Epaminondas and the MSC Francesca were seized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy in the Strait of Hormuz.
“We have a case of two ships, container ships, that have been seized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. One ship has 10 Filipino seafarers. They’re not fully Filipino-manned ships, but one ship has 10 Filipino seafarers, the Epaminondas, and the second ship, the MSC Francesca, has five Filipino seafarers,” Cacdac said.
“So, they are now along the Iranian coastline. The ships have been seized, so they are within the authority of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. We have been assured that all 15 Filipino seafarers are safe, unharmed, safe. And it will be a matter of time for their ships to be cleared.”
Reports said that the Liberia-flagged Epaminondas was reportedly fired upon by an Iranian gunboat, causing heavy damage to its bridge, while the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca sustained damage to its hull and bridge and was forced to drop anchor.
The IRGC Naval Command said that both vessels had been seized for “operating without the necessary permits and tampering with navigation systems.”
Cacdac said the DMW is now in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the manning agencies, and the shipowners, as they await developments on the ships’ status and the possible timeline for their release.
He noted that similar incidents in the past have eventually been resolved, expressing hope for a favorable outcome.
The seizure comes as the government continues to monitor thousands of Filipino seafarers operating in and around the Persian Gulf, which is a critical global shipping route that has seen heightened tensions in recent weeks due to the United States-Israel and Iran conflict.
Cacdac said authorities are using marine traffic systems to track vessel movements and ensure the safety of Filipino crew members, while maintaining communication with employers and onboard personnel.
He also assured that the DMW is in touch with the families of the affected seafarers, providing updates and assurance of government support as coordination efforts continue.
Despite the incident, Cacdac said most Filipino seafarers in the Middle East region remain in safe zones or have successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz, as part of ongoing risk management measures.
Cacdac reiterated the DMW’s commitment to safeguard Filipino workers at sea, emphasizing close coordination with international partners and readiness to respond should the situation escalate further. (PNA)
