Sen. Erwin Tulfo is seeking clarification from the Iranian government following a drone attack on a Maltese-flagged container ship carrying 24 Filipino seafarers that left seven crew members injured, including three in critical condition.
Speaking in a radio interview on Saturday, Tulfo said the incident was alarming and raised questions about the safety assurances earlier extended to Filipino seafarers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The senator noted that the Philippines had previously reached an understanding with Iran regarding the safe passage of Filipino crew members navigating the strategic waterway.
“I will ask DFA Secretary Tess Lazaro to coordinate with the Iranian Embassy and determine if the assurance of safe passage for Filipinos in the Strait of Hormuz still stands,” said Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
The May 5 attack, which is suspected to have originated from Iran, has heightened concerns over the safety of Filipino maritime workers in the region amid continuing tensions in the Middle East.
Tulfo said the earlier arrangement with Iran had helped ensure the safe transit of more than 1,000 Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
However, he added that many Filipino crew members remain stranded in the area following the latest attack.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro is expected to meet with Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh this week to discuss whether the agreement on safe passage remains in effect.
Tulfo stressed the need for a definitive response from Tehran to help guide Filipino seafarers and shipping operators.
“We need a clear answer from the Iranian government on whether it remains safe for Filipino seamen to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
The senator also appealed to parties involved in the Middle East conflict to pursue dialogue and peaceful negotiations to prevent further escalation in the region.