The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday revealed that the government of Iran has not made any commitment regarding the release of the 18 Filipino crew of the oil tanker that was seized in the Gulf of Oman.
But DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said the Iranian government has assured its support for the Philippines’ call for the safe repatriation of the said Filipino seafarers.
“We haven’t heard any commitment from Iran. But based on experience, when they apprehend a ship with Filipino seafarers, they usually release them,” added De Vega, who is also the DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs.
“However, in this case, they haven’t said anything yet. Although the Iranian ambassador here promises to support us,” the DFA official said.
It can be recalled that Iran seized last week the oil tanker St. Nicholas carrying Iraqi crude for Turkey. It was the same ship that was previously seized by the United States for carrying oil to Iran amid the sanctions imposed at that time.
De Vega said for the Iranian government, the seizure of the oil tanker is legal and in accordance with their laws. “It’s a legal process in their mind, it’s a legal seizure,” he said.
The Middle Eastern and African Affairs office of the DFA confirmed that the Iranian Embassy in the Philippines has assured them of the safe condition of the 18 Filipino crew members aboard St. Nicholas.
“He said, ‘They are all in fine condition.’ He reiterated it yesterday, so we have the assurance that the Filipino seafarers are fine. The next thing is they will assist us in our consular visit,” DFA Assistant Secretary Mardomel Melicor said.
The Iranian Ambassador in the Philippines has reportedly requested the names of the 18 Filipino crew members aboard the seized oil tanker.
Meanwhile, our embassy in Tehran, Iran is currently in talks with Iranian officials to visit the seafarers who are currently held by Iran.
“It’s important for them to see the 18 so they can take photographs to show their families. That is the number one priority, and of course, if they need any assistance or extra help,” De Vega stressed.
Empire Navigation, the company managing the ship, continues to coordinate with authorities and the families of their crew members.