The Department of Foreign Affairs disclosed over the weekend that Iran has vowed to pursue the release of 18 Filipino seafarers held hostages after their oil tanker was seized by Iranians. in the Gulf of Oman recently.

“We can say that , so far, there is no indication that they are being harmed or mistreated. The Iranian ambassador assured that they will work on it so that they will be released as soon as possible,” a report from the Manila Standard quoted DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega as saying.

DFA has directed the Philippine Embassy in Tehran to coordinate with Iranian government to guarantee the health and safety of the seafarers who were taken at the Gulf of Oman on Thursday (January 11).

The Filipino seafarers were crew members of the oil tanker St. Nikolas that was seized by the Iranian Navy while en route to Aliaga, Turkey.

The Iranian Navy confirmed that the 19 hostages, including the 18 Filipinos, are in their custody.

De Vega said they have received assurances that the Filipino hostages are all safe.

So far, 35 Filipino seafarers are still being held hostages by two groups. The incidents were reportedly triggered by the on-going war between Israel and the Hamas in Gaza Strip.

In November, Iran-backed Houthi rebels intercepted MV Galaxy, taking with them the whole crew, including 17 Filipinos.

DFA has reportedly received assurances that the Filipino hostages will be freed soon.

However, the Houthis have declared that they will continue hold to the hostages until Israel has withdrawn its forces from Gaza.

MV Galaxy is an Israeli-owned tanker.