MANILA - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is currently verifying reports that Filipino nationals may be among the crew of a vessel recently seized by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Tehran and the Department of Migrant Workers, is making efforts to ascertain the presence of Filipino crew members and ensure their safety and potential release. The vessel involved, the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, is reportedly connected to Israeli interests and was commandeered following recent tensions in the region linked to incidents at the Iranian consulate in Syria.