PH asks Iran anew to release 18 Filipino seamen

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 22) — The Philippine government reiterated its request to Iran to allow the release of 18 Filipino seafarers onboard a seized oil tanker, an official said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said he made the appeal to Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber.

“I likewise asked for the release of the 18 PH seafarers currently aboard the detained ST Nikolas, and requested that Iran continue to grant consular access to our Embassy in Tehran, and allow regular contact between the seafarers and their families back home,” Manalo said in a social media post.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said Philippine embassy officials in Iran had the opportunity to visit the Filipinos.

De Vega assured the public that all of them are doing well. He added that all 18 are in touch with their families and continue to receive their salaries.

Iran detained the vessel earlier this month in retaliation for the move of the United States to confiscate the same vessel and its oil last year.

READ: Iran seizes oil tanker in Gulf of Oman

Manalo said he had a meeting with the Iranian official on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit, where they discussed geopolitical issues, as well as the safety and welfare of Filipino seafarers.