Senator Erwin Tulfo seeks Iran explanation after drone attack on ship with Filipino crew

Senator Erwin Tulfo has asked the Iranian government to clarify its role in a reported drone attack on a Maltese-flagged container ship carrying 24 Filipino seafarers on May 5.

Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said the incident left seven crew members injured, three of whom are in critical condition, and is believed to have been carried out from Iran.

“We want to understand why Iran attacked this vessel, considering we reached an understanding with them last month allowing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” Tulfo said.

He said he would ask Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Tess Lazaro to coordinate with the Iranian Embassy to confirm whether the earlier assurance of safe passage for Filipino seafarers remains in effect.

“I will ask DFA Secretary Tess Lazaro to ask the Iranian Embassy if the promise of safe passage for Filipinos in Strait of Hormuz is still valid,” he added.

Tulfo also cited the earlier arrangement, saying it had helped ensure the safe transit of over 1,000 Filipino seafarers through the strategic waterway.

“ We are thankful to the Republic of Iran because the said agreement sealed last month, paved the way for over 1,000 Filipino seafarers to safely pass through the said waterway,” he said.

Following the attack, Tulfo noted concerns that some Filipino seafarers may still be stranded or affected in the Strait of Hormuz area.

DFA Secretary Lazaro is expected to meet with Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh this week to seek clarification on the status of the “safe passage” arrangement and assess risks for Filipino maritime workers.

“We need a clear answer from the Iranian government on whether it is still safe for Filipino seamen to navigate the Strait of Hormuz. This is vital so we can properly advise our maritime workers,” Tulfo said.

He also reiterated his appeal for parties involved in Middle East tensions to return to negotiations and prioritize peace in the region.