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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Iranian authorities release Filipino seaman from seized container ship; DMW optimistic of securing freedom of 3 others

Iranian authorities release Filipino seaman from seized container ship; DMW optimistic of securing freedom of 3 others

Published May 10, 2024 01:49 am

Iranian authorities have released one of the four Filipino seafarers who were among the 25 crewmen of container ship MSC Aries that was seized by Iran naval authorities at the Strait of Hormuz last month, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Friday, May 10.

Following the release, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has expressed optimism that they would be able to secure the release of three other Filipino seamen who remain under the Iranian authorities’ custody.

“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 released on Friday. 

“The DMW will continue working with the DFA, 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,” he added.

The MSC Aries was boarded and held by Iranian naval authorities on April 13 as it was crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Its crew was composed of 25 seafarers including four Filipinos. 

Currently, Cacdac said they are coordinating with the ship agent and licensed manning agency, and are now working to bring the Filipino crew member home to reunite him with his family.

He added that they are keeping in touch with the families of three other Filipino seamen as part of the efforts to assure them that the government is doing everything to ensure the safety of their kin. 

“In compliance with the President’s directive, the DMW and its attached agency, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is in touch with the families of all the crewmen, assuring them of the government’s full support and assistance during this difficult time,” said Cacdac.

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