Erwin Tulfo questions attack on container ship carrying Pinoys despite 'safe passage' deal

Senator Erwin Tulfo on Sunday expressed concern over the reported drone attack on a container ship carrying Filipino seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz despite Iran’s earlier assurance of safe passage for Filipinos traversing the strategic waterway.

Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said he would ask the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to seek clarification from the Iranian government regarding the status of the agreement.

“We want to understand why Iran attacked this vessel, considering we reached an understanding with them last month, allowing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” Tulfo said in a radio interview.

“I will ask DFA Secretary Tess Lazaro to ask the Iranian Embassy if the promise of safe passage for Filipinos in the Strait of Hormuz is still valid,” he added.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) earlier confirmed that seven Filipino crew members of the container ship CMA CGM San Antonio were injured after the vessel was allegedly struck by an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz on May 5.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said three of the injured Filipino seafarers are currently confined in the intensive care unit of an undisclosed hospital in a country near the Strait of Hormuz.

Last month, Iran assured the Philippine government that Philippine-flagged vessels, energy shipments, and Filipino seafarers would be granted safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the region.

Tulfo also noted that several Filipino seafarers remain stranded in the area following the May 5 incident.

“We need a clear answer from the Iranian government on whether it is still safe for Filipino seamen to navigate the Strait of Hormuz. This is vital so we can properly advise our maritime workers,” he said.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the DFA but has yet to receive a response.—MCG, GMA News