By Wilnard Bacelonia
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.
“We expect tensions to escalate following President (Donald) Trump’s pronouncement last night of a blockade of all traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” Lazaro said.
However, she said the US military later clarified that the blockade would apply only to maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports beginning April 13.
Lazaro said the Philippines requested Iran to allow the passage of four Philippine-flagged vessels carrying mostly chemical cargo.
“I got a call from the Iranian Ambassador last Saturday saying that a matter of time for these vessels to be cleared and to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” she said.
Diplomatic engagements remain ongoing, Lazaro said, noting that while there has been no breakthrough in negotiations, there has also been no breakdown and further talks expected in the coming days.
“Just to have an overview of the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The UN estimates that as of March 31, 2026 some 20,000 seafarers remain stranded on around 2,000 ships in the Strait of Hormuz as the war in the Middle East continues,” she added.
Figures from the Department of Migrant Workers show that there are 4,862 Filipino seafarers onboard 463 vessels as of April 11, Lazaro said.
From an average of around 3,000 vessels that sailed through the strait monthly prior to the conflict, open-source data indicate that by the first week of April, fewer than 200 ships were able to pass through the route.
The Maritime Industry Authority earlier reported around 100 Philippine-flagged vessels 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. (PNA)
