Press Release - Tulfo seeks to ensure safety, swift return of 4 Pinoy seafarers

Senator Idol Raffy Tulfo is in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to ensure the safety of the four Filipino seafarers aboard the Portuguese vessel MSC Aries seized by Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz last April 13.

Tulfo, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, confirmed that DFA officials yesterday met with Iranian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Yousef Esmaeil Zadeh, who affirmed that the four seafarers will soon be able to return to the Philippines.

"Patuloy akong nakamonitor at nakikipagugnayan sa DFA at DMW para masigurong makakauwi ng ligtas sa bansa ang mga kababayan nating marino," he said.

He added: "Sa kasalukuyan ay in close contact na ang DFA at DMW sa pamilya ng mga marino at sa manning agency. Ayon sa DMW, inaasahang magsusumite agad ang manning agency na MSC Crewing Services Philippines, Inc. na nag-recruit sa mga marino ng Official Report sa nangyari.

"Bilang SOP kasi para sa mga ganitong insidente, responsibilidad ng manning agency alinsunod sa batas na magsumite ng opisyal na ulat sa loob ng 5 araw ukol sa pangyayari."

DMW also confirmed that the four seafarers were already able to talk to their respective families here in the country.

Meanwhile, DMW OIC Usec Hans Leo Cacdac said that they are making necessary representations with the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) to classify the Straight of Hormuz located in the waters of Iran and Oman as a "high-risk area" to strictly monitor every passing ship in the area.

The IBF is the global forum of International Transport Workers Federations and international maritime employers that promotes policies for the global safety and welfare of seafarers.

Aside from monitoring the case, Tulfo will give financial assistance to the seafarers and their families.

He stressed that situations like this is a reminder that the swift passage into law of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is of utmost importance.

"Ang Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers ang magbibigay ng karagdagang proteksyon sa mga marinong Pinoy, tulad ng karapatan sa ligtas na paglalayag sa mga high-risk area, agarang tulong sa panahon ng