Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Carlos Trazo

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday confirmed that 15 Filipino seafarers aboard two vessels seized by Iranian authorities near the Strait of Hormuz are safe and unharmed.Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the Philippine government has heightened monitoring of maritime conditions in the Persian Gulf following the incident.“We have a case of two ships, container ships, that have been seized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. One ship has 10 Filipino seafarers. They’re not fully Filipino-manned ships, but one ship has 10 Filipino seafarers, the Epaminondas, and the second ship, the MSC Francesca, has five Filipino seafarers,” Cacdac said.“So, they are now along the Iranian coastline. The ships have been seized, so they are within the authority of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. We have been assured that all 15 Filipino seafarers are safe, unharmed, safe. And it will be a matter of time for their ships to be cleared,” he added.The MV Epaminondas, a Liberia-flagged vessel, was reportedly fired upon by an Iranian gunboat, causing heavy damage to its bridge. The Panama-flagged MSC Francesca sustained damage to its hull and bridge and was forced to drop anchor. Iranian authorities said the vessels were seized for “operating without the necessary permits and tampering with navigation systems.”Cacdac said the DMW is coordinating closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs, manning agencies, and shipowners while awaiting updates on the ships’ status and the possible timeline for their release. He noted that similar incidents in the past have eventually been resolved.The seizure comes amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf linked to the ongoing United States–Israel–Iran conflict. Thousands of Filipino seafarers continue to operate in the region, which remains a critical global shipping route.Cacdac said authorities are using marine traffic systems to track vessel movements and ensure the safety of Filipino crew members, while maintaining communication with employers and onboard personnel. He also assured that the DMW is in touch with the families of the affected seafarers, providing updates and support.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday confirmed that 15 Filipino seafarers aboard two vessels seized by Iranian authorities near the Strait of Hormuz are safe and unharmed.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday confirmed that 15 Filipino seafarers aboard two vessels seized by Iranian authorities near the Strait of Hormuz are safe and unharmed.

DMW ensures safety of 15 Filipino seafarers after Iran seizes ships near Hormuz

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DMW ensures safety of 15 Filipino seafarers after Iran seizes ships near Hormuz

Carlos Trazo,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 24, 2026 12:59 AM PHT

Read More:

DMW

safety

Filipino seafarers

Iran

seizes

ships

Strait of Hormuz

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