12 Filipino sailors held in Iran for alleged fuel trafficking

September 27, 2019

Twelve Filipino sailors were detained in Iran for alleged in fuel smuggling, the Department of Foreign Affairs ( DFA) 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 near Sirik County in the Strait of Hormuz, is part of a fuel-smuggling ring.

Philippine officials said the seamen "are in good spirits and are being treated well."

"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 and other embassy officials flew from the capital city of Tehran to Hormozgan province near the Persian Gulf to see the crew's. DMS