Manila: Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions in global shipping have prompted efforts to secure the passage of Philippine vessels through the critical oil route. During a Senate Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee hearing on Monday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Tess Lazaro said the government is pursuing diplomatic channels to ensure safe movement of Philippine-flagged ships in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro mentioned that the tensions are expected to escalate following President Donald Trump's announcement of a blockade of all traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the US military later clarified that the blockade would apply only to maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports beginning April 13.
Lazaro also revealed that the Philippines has requested Iran to allow the passage of four Philippine-flagged vessels carrying mostly chemical cargo. She noted that the Iranian Ambassador indicated it was a matter of time before these vessels would be cleared to pass through the strait.
Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and while there has been no breakthrough in negotiations, there has also been no breakdown, with further talks expected in the coming days. Lazaro provided an overview of the current situation, highlighting that the UN estimates around 20,000 seafarers remain stranded on approximately 2,000 ships in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Figures from the Department of Migrant Workers indicate that there are 4,862 Filipino seafarers onboard 463 vessels as of April 11. Prior to the conflict, around 3,000 vessels typically sailed through the strait monthly. By the first week of April, fewer than 200 ships were able to navigate the route, according to open-source data.
The Maritime Industry Authority reported that around 100 Philippine-flagged vessels are operating in the region. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the committee, commended the DFA's efforts in securing additional petroleum supply for the country through diplomatic means.
