12 Mayo 2024, Linggo
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Pinoy seafarer held by Iran freed
By Nidz Godino
"Philippines welcomes good news that one of four Filipino seamen at MSC Aries has been released and is arriving home later today," Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said one of the four Filipino seafarers being held by Iran's Revolutionary Guards has been released.
Efforts to have remaining three freed continue with help of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other nations providing assistance.
"We appreciate Iran's gesture and intercession of India in this matter," it added in social media post on X.
"We send thanks to Department of Foreign Affairs who spared no efforts to secure release of our brave seafarer," said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
He added DMW will remain in constant communication with DFA to check on condition of remaining members of the crew still being held by Iranian authorities.
DMW's attached agency, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), is coordinating with families of all crewmen, assuring them of government's full support and assistance during this difficult time.
"DMW, OWWA and DFA, in coordination with ship agent and licensed manning agency, are now working to bring Filipino crew member home to reunite him with his family," said Cacdac.
He expressed optimism that three Filipino seafarers will be released soon.
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Released Filipino seafarer arrived back in the country yesterday, and was welcomed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 by Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio.
Four Filipinos were among 25 crew members of MSC Aries seized and held by Iranian naval authorities on April 13, as it was passing through Strait of Hormuz.
MSC Aries, though registered in Portugal, is said to have links to Israel. Tensions between Iran and Israel in the region continue.
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