1 Filipino seaman freed, 3 remain captive in ship seized by Iran, says DFA

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 seized a container ship “related to the Zionist regime (Israel) in the Gulf,” state media reported, as tensions soar in the region. (File photo from AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — One Filipino crew member of the container ship MSC Aries seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz has been released and is set to arrive in the Philippines on Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed.

“We appreciate Iran’s gesture and the intercession of India in this matter. The DFA is working with the Department of Migrant Workers for the release and repatriation of the three other Filipinos on the ship,” said DFA in a tweet.

“We hope for their eventual speedy return to their homes and families,” the department added.

Earlier, the DFA said they were working to secure the release of the four Filipino crew members of MSC Aries. The container ship was seized by Iran on April 13.

The four Filipino seafarers were among the ship’s 25 crew members, which included seafarers from Russia, India, Pakistan and Estonia.

READ: 4 Filipino crewmen on ship seized by Iran