Some Philippine-flagged vessels have already entered the Strait of Hormuz after the Philippines and Iran reached an agreement allowing safe passage through the strategic waterway, according to Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.
Speaking during an online press conference, Garin said the ships currently passing through the strait are carrying products such as petrochemicals and not yet oil.
She said the agreement was the result of a discussion between Theresa Lazaro and her Iranian counterpart.
According to Garin, the agreement covers not only Philippine-flagged tankers and vessels but also cargoes bound for the Philippines even if they are being transported by foreign ships. It also includes safe passage for Filipino workers and crew members aboard these vessels.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through the waterway.
Iran had previously closed the strait to most ships following attacks by the United States and Israel.
Thousands of Filipino seafarers remain stranded aboard vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. The figure does not yet include Filipinos working in offshore facilities across the region.
