Filipino Official Manalo Appeals for Release of 18 Seafarers from Detained Ship

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo requested the release of 18 Filipino seafarers currently aboard a detained vessel in the Gulf of Oman during a meeting with Iran’s 1st Vice President Mohammed Makber at the sidelines of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Uganda. Makber, one of the 12 vice presidents of Iran, leads the Islamic Republic’s Cabinet meetings. Manalo also asked Iran to continue to grant consular access to the Filipino Embassy in Tehran and allow regular contact between the seafarers and their families.

The seafarers remain detained after their tanker containing Iraqi crude bound for Turkey was seized by Iran on Jan. 11. Manalo and Makber also discussed potential growth in trade relations between the Philippines and Iran, in addition to the welfare of the Filipino seafarers. Manalo described the exchange as candid and noted that they also discussed geopolitical issues during their talk.

Manalo emphasized the importance of the release of the Filipino seafarers and requested continued consular access and regular contact between the seafarers and their families. The meeting also included discussions on potential growth in trade relations between the Philippines and Iran, as well as candid exchanges on geopolitical issues.

Source .