Senator Francis Tolentino is urging the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to make sure that the 12 Filipino seafarers who are currently detained in Iran due to alleged oil smuggling will be released.
“Responsibilidad natin na masiguro ang kaligtasan ng mga Filipino crew, mga kababayan natin yan na nagsakripisyo na malayo sa kanilang mga pamilya, sa pagasa na makaangat sa kanilang pamumuhay,” Tolentino said.
Tolentino has filed a Senate resolution prompting the DFA to coordinate with Iranian counterparts to make sure that seafarers are protected and to secure their release.
Tolentino has said that both countries are members of the Maritime Labor Convention.
“State members shall ensure the protection and promotion of seafarers’ employment rights,” Tolentino citing one of the provisions of the convention.
Iran has seized the ship with 12 Filipino seamen on board over allegations of oil smuggling.