The government is currently monitoring the situation of the 12 Filipino crew of a tugboat seized in the Persian Gulf the other day.
In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs home office in Pasay City, Philippine Ambassador to Iran Wilfredo Santos said the tugboat was seized because of alleged oil smuggling activities.
According to Santos, Iranian Coast Guard authorities relayed that an investigation is ongoing on the alleged oil smuggling of the crew, and once this has been established, the matter will be referred to the local court.
He said the Philippine Embassy in Iran is seeking further updates on the seafarers’ condition and stands ready to provide assistance when needed.
A news report emanating from the Iranian capital Tehran said that the tugboat was suspected of carrying nearly 284,000 liters of diesel when it was seized near the Strait of Hormuz.
It was not immediately known what flag the boat was flying. (Roy Mabasa)
