DAVAO CITY — The Philippine Embassy in Tehran i is monitoring and getting ready to assists 12 Filipinos held in Iran after their vessel was taken in the Persian Gulf on Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured Sunday.
The DFA in a statement said they are “Seeking further updates on the seafarers’ condition, and stands ready to provide assistance when needed.”
The Philippine embassy in Tehran relayed to he DFA that the tugboat manned by Filipino crewmen in the Persian Gulf was seized due to alleged oil smuggling on September 7.
Philippine Ambassador to Iran Wilfredo Santos reported that the Coast Guard authorities are currently conducting an investigation on the allegation against the crewmembers.
“Once this has been established, the matter will be referred to the local court,” he said.
As of this posting, the DFA has yet to give additional information about the incident.
