DFA: 12 Pinoy seamen detained in Iran over alleged oil smuggling

DFA: 12 Pinoy sailors detained in Iran over alleged oil smuggling
MICHAELA DEL CALLAR September 27, 2019 https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/news/709625/dfa-12-pinoy-sai...

Twelve Filipino sailors were detained in Iran for alleged involvement in fuel trafficking, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday.

The sailors of Al Buraq 1, an offshore supply ship, were seized by Iran officials on September 7.

Reports said the Filipino crew tried to smuggle nearly 284,000 liters of diesel.

Iran claimed the vessel, intercepted close to Sirik county in the Strait of Hormuz, is part of a fuel-smuggling ring.

Philippine officials who visited the seamen said they "are in good spirits and are being treated well while under detention."

"The embassy is making every effort to secure the release of the seafarers and is making all the required representation with the Iranian government to ensure their safety and well-being," a DFA statement said.

Ambassador to Iran Wilfredo Santos, accompanied by other embassy officials, flew from capital Tehran to Hormozgan Province near the Persian Gulf to personally see the crew and ascertain their condition. — RSJ, GMA News