(Eagle News)–The Department of Migrant Workers has confirmed there were four Filipinos on board the container ship with links to Israel recently seized by Iranian authorities in the Persian Gulf.
The DMW said the Filipinos worked as seafarers of the MSC Aries, which, international reports said, was boarded by the Iranian authorities as it navigated the Strait of Hormuz.
“Upon directive of the President, we are in touch with the families of our dear seafarers and have assured them of full government support and assistance,” the DMW said.
It said it was also in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the licensed manning agency, the ship manager and operator “to ensure the safety and well-being as well as work on the release, of our dear seafarers.”
A video on social media showed what appeared to be people using a rope to descend toward the deck of a ship from a helicopter hovering right above.
Iranian state media said they were soldiers from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.
MSC belongs to Zodiac Group, which is owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.
Iran has openly backed Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is waging war against Israel.
Iran has also vowed to retaliate against Israel, which it has blamed for an attack on an Iranian embassy in Syria.