Bishop airs concern for 4 OFWs on board Portugese vessel seized by Iran

This image grab taken from a UGC video posted on social media on April 13, 2024 shows Iran’s Revolutionary Guards rappelling down onto a container ship named MSC Aries near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Saturday seized a container ship “related to the Zionist regime (Israel) in the Gulf,” state media reported, as tensions soar in the region. (Photo from AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — A Catholic prelate asked for prayers for the Filipino crewmen of the MSC Aries, which was seized by Iranian authorities near the Strait of Hormuz in between Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman in the Middle East.

Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos on Monday expressed concern for the four Filipino personnel of the Portuguese vessel that was seized on Saturday.

He hopes the Philippine government will be able to safely bring them home.

READ: 4 Filipinos are on Portuguese container ship hijacked by Iran, says DMW

“It is sad news. Like their families, we, too, are worried about their condition. We are so concerned for their safety,” Santos said in a statement.

“In this problematic situation, we turn to God in His mercy to keep our four seafarers safe and healthy. We trust our government officials for necessary diplomatic assistance and assurance that we will exhaust all means to bring them safely home,” he added.

Santos likewise prayed that those who took hold of the MSC Aries would release the crew members and that order would govern the region.

READ: 4 Filipino crewmen on ship seized by Iran

The Department of Migrant Workers said on April 14 that it is working with the Department of Foreign Affairs for the release of the Filipino crew members and that it is in touch with the families of the four seafarers.