MANILA (UCAN): The Philippine government has launched efforts to ensure the safe return of four Filipinos, captured with 21 other seafarers of other nationalities, on board the Portuguese-flagged ship MSC Aries.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards boarded and took control of the ship via helicopter on the morning of April 13. It had been en route to the port of Nhava Sheva, India
The Department of Migrant Workers [DMW] confirmed the capture of the ship in the Strait of Hormuz, near the Gulf of Oman, by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps [IRGC] Special Naval Force.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines urged Filipinos to pray and “implore our almighty God to touch the hearts of those who seized the MSC Aries to release them, for respect and promotion of rights and dignity of all crew, and for peace to reign in the Strait of Hormuz.”
The bishops’ lamented, “It is sad news. Like their families, we too are worried about their condition. We are so concerned with their situation.”
The DMW said in an April 14 statement: “We are coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the ship’s owner, manager and operator to ensure the safety and well-being as well as work on the release of our dear seafarers.”
The identities of the Filipino crewmen have been established and their families informed, the agency said but did not divulge the names in the statement.
“What we are trying to do right now is establish communication with them. We are coordinating with the ship owner to establish a connection with the ship and with the seafarers,” DMW officer-in-charge, Hans Leo Cacdac, told reporters in Manila on April 15.
“We just got word that they are safe on board. The ship is anchored [in Iran],” he added.
The DMW assured the four seafarers and their families of “full government support and assistance,” upon the directives of the president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Meanwhile, Kabayan Party List congressman, Ron Salo, chairperson of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, said the Filipino seafarers were “in an extremely precarious position.”
The incident “highlights the continued vulnerability of our overseas seafarers who are among the most affected in any international conflicts,” Salo said in a statement. However, he lauded the DMW for its “swift response.”
Salo reiterated that the proposed bill on the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers was critical for the safety and wellbeing of Filipino workers, whether on land or at sea.
“It will not only provide them with greater protection but also ensure that their families are supported, especially in times of crisis,” he stressed.
The Magna Carta Bill is yet to be signed into law.
Meanwhile, the Philippine News Agency identified MSC Aries as owned by Gortal Shipping Inc., which is affiliated with Zodiac Maritime Shipping Company.
