DFA chief appeals for release of 18 Filipino seafarers aboard detained tanker

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo delivers a message during a media event in Manila, Philippines, Aug. 16, 2022. (File photo by ELOISA LOPEZ / Reuters)

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo appealed in person to Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber to allow the safe release of Filipino seafarers aboard the seized oil tanker St. Nikolas.

In a tweet on Monday evening, Manalo said he raised his concern on the sidelines of a summit in Uganda.

“We had a candid exchange on geopolitical issues and the safety and welfare of [Filipino] seafarers. We also noted the potential to grow PH-Iran trade relations,” Manalo said.

“I likewise asked for the release of the 18 Filipino 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,” he added.

The St. Nikolas, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, was boarded by armed individuals off the coast of Oman in early January and appeared to have changed course toward Iran.

No definite date has been set for the release of these Filipino seafarers.

But Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Eduardo de Vega earlier told INQUIRER.net that the Philippine embassy in Tehran was meeting Iranian authorities on a possible visit to the 18 seafarers to check on their condition.

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