Safe passage for PH vessels in Strait of Hormuz still valid after Iran drone attack - DFA

The safe passage for Philippine-flagged vessels and Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz is still valid despite the reported drone attack on a container ship carrying Filipino crew members, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.

“The existing arrangement between the Philippines and Iran on safe passage remains valid and in effect,” said DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona in a message to GMA News Online.

“The DFA and DMW continue to ensure the safety and well being of our nationals amidst the tension in the Middle East,” she added.

Senator Erwin Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, earlier said he would ask the DFA to seek clarification from the Iranian government regarding the status of the agreement.

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.

But the DMW said that one of the three Filipino seafarers confined under intensive care unit is now able to breathe on his own. —RF, GMA News