The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assured the public on Wednesday that 15 Filipino seafarers currently held by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are safe and unharmed. The government has established communication with the seafarers’ families to provide continuous support and updates.
On April 22, two container ships, the Epaminondas and the MSC Francesca, were intercepted by Iranian forces while attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz. The distribution of Filipino crew members is as follows:
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Epaminondas: 10 Filipino seafarers onboard.
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MSC Francesca: 5 Filipino seafarers onboard.
Both vessels are currently located in the vicinity of the Iranian coastline.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac emphasized that the welfare of the crew remains the department’s top priority.
“We have been assured that all 15 seafarers are safe and unharmed,” Secretary Cacdac stated. “We remain in close coordination with their families, the manning agencies, and the shipowners to ensure a steady flow of information and support.”
The DMW is working in lockstep with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and relevant stakeholders to monitor the situation and secure the protection of the crew. This incident occurs amid a period of heightened regional tensions that have seen multiple vessel interceptions since late February.
In line with the standing directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippine government is utilizing all diplomatic channels to resolve the situation. The DMW remains committed to prioritizing the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) navigating high-risk maritime zones.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from official diplomatic and maritime sources.
