Freed Filipino from seized Portuguese ship on his way home —DMW

The Filipino crew member of a Portuguese-flagged vessel that was seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz is on his way home, Unang Balita reported on Friday, citing Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.

The Filipino was among the seven crew members of MSC Aries that were freed by Iran.

“We send our sincerest thanks to Secretary Enrique Manalo and his entire team at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) who spared no efforts to secure the release of our brave seafarer,” said Cacdac in a statement.

Five Indians, a Filipino and an Estonian from the MSC Aries "have been freed today," Portugal's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Another Indian crew member had already been released.

Several others remained onboard the MSC Aries, including three Filipinos.

Cacdac said the government is optimistic that the three Filipino seafarers will be released soon. 

“The DMW will continue working with the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), the ship agent and licensed manning agency to secure the release of the three Filipino crew men who remain in the custody of Iranian authorities.” Cacdac said.  

He added that the DMW and its attached agency, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), are in touch with the families of all the crewmen, assuring them of the government’s full support and assistance. 

Iran said the container ship had Israeli links when it was taken on April 13, in parallel to Iranian forces launching a mass drone attack against Israel. —with Agence France-Presse/GMA Integrated News