Philippine vessels get safe passage from Iran in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has assured the Philippines that Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers would be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been affected by the Middle East conflict, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.

This developed after Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro's phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Aragchi amid the ongoing conflict, which has caused a massive disruption in the world's supply of oil.

In a statement, the DFA said Lazaro "had a very productive phone conversation today with the Iranian Foreign Minister... to discuss stronger bilateral cooperation on all fronts."

It added the Iranian minister "assured the Secretary that Iran will allow the safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers."

The assurance came after the Philippines sought from Iran a "non-hostile country" status, and be given safe passage through the vital strait, through which 20% of the world's shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas pass.

"Secretary Lazaro noted that this positive development is vital for the Philippines, as it will not only ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers operating in the area but will also help ensure energy security for the country," the DFA said.

Iranian forces began enforcing a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz last March, according to EU naval officials who monitored radio warnings sent to multiple tankers. 

Iran has told International Maritime Organization member states that "non-hostile vessels" may transit the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Iranian authorities, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing a letter.

Iran’s foreign ministry said Tehran had “taken necessary and proportionate measures to prevent the aggressors and their supporters from exploiting the Strait of Hormuz to advance hostile operations against Iran.” 

Tehran said in the letter that vessels linked to the US and Israel, as well as "other participants in the aggression, do not qualify for innocent or non-hostile passage," the FT said.

The Philippines on Wednesday asked Iran to designate it as a “non-hostile country” and ensure the safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels along the Strait of Hormuz amid the tensions in the Middle East. 

With fuel prices reaching unprecedented levels because of the oil crisis, the Philippines is the first country to declare a state of national energy emergency amid the conflict. 

The Philippines asked Iran to designate it as a “non-hostile country” and ensure the safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels along the Strait of Hormuz amid the tensions in the Middle East. 

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said, “This is vital for the protection of our seafarers and our energy supply."

Castro said that it was Lazaro who made the request during the meeting, which she described as “exceptionally warm and open.” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin was also in the meeting with Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh.

“Ambassador Esmaeilzadeh noted that they have been awaiting our outreach and reaffirmed their strong willingness to assist the Philippines with our specific requests,” Castro said. “We agreed to course all detailed requests through official diplomatic channels to expedite processing.” –NB, GMA News