MANILA, Philippines – Ligtas at pinauwi na nitong Martes ang 15 Filipino seafarers na sakay ng Qatari tanker Al Rekayyat matapos tamaan ng projectile ang barko malapit sa Strait of Hormuz, ayon sa Department of Foreign Affairs.
Nasunog ang tanker matapos itong tamaan habang naglalayag sa lugar noong Hulyo 6.
Agad na nagbigay ng welfare assistance ang Philippine Embassy at Migrant Workers Office sa Muscat at nagpadala ng rapid response team upang makipag-ugnayan sa pamunuan ng barko.
Ayon sa DFA, walang nasugatan sa mga Pilipinong tripulante. Binigyan din sila ng pagkain, medical checkups at paraan upang makontak ang kanilang mga pamilya sa Pilipinas.
“Our absolute priority is the safety and well-being of our kababayans (fellow citizens) at sea. We are working closely with the vessel owners to ensure their continuous protection, monitor their emotional well-being after this ordeal, and facilitate their swift repatriation,” pahayag ni Philippine Labor Attaché to Muscat Alice Visperas.
“Under the guidance of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, the MWO continues to monitor security developments in the region to safeguard overseas Filipino workers,” ayon sa DFA.
Idineklara naman ng pamahalaan ng Qatar na “fully legally responsible” ang Iran sa pag-atake, na inilarawan nitong “a grave violation of the safety of international navigation, a direct threat to global energy supply security, and a clear and flagrant breach of international law.” Dave Baluyot
