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This image made from a video provided to The Associated Press by a Mideast defense official shows a helicopter raid targeting a vessel near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, April 13, 2024. A video seen by The Associated Press shows commandos raiding a ship near the Strait of Hormuz by helicopter Saturday, an attack a Mideast defense official attributed to Iran amid wider tensions between Tehran and the West. The Mideast defense official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. (AP Photo)
Ni ROMEO ALLAN BUTUYAN II
NAGPAHAYAG ng pagkabahala si House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs Chairman at KABAYAN partylist Rep. Ron Salo sa koondisyon ng apat na Pinoy seafarers na lulan ng Portuguese vessel MSC Aries na hinarang ng Iranian authorities sa bahagi ng Hormuz Strait.
Giit ni Salo, ang insidente ay patunay lamang na nananatiling nasa panganib ang mga Pinoy seafarer sa tuwing sila ay kabilang sa alinmang sea vessel na naglalagay sa tensiyunadong lugar partikular sa bahagi ng middle-east.
“This event has placed four Filipino seafarers in an extremely precarious position. It highlights the continued vulnerability of our overseas seafarers who are among the most affected in any international conflicts,” ang pahayag pa ng KABAYAN partylist lawmaker.
Kaya naman umaapela ang House panel head na bigyan-pansin at kilalanin ang malaking kahalagahan ng tuwirang pagpapatupad ng Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, na ang pangunahing layunin ay mapalakas ang programa para sa mga karapatan at kabutihan ng lahat ng Filipino maritime professionals.
“The safety and well-being of our Filipino workers, whether on land or at sea, are of utmost importance. The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers will not only provide them with greater protection but also ensure that their families are supported, especially in times of crisis,” diin pa ni Salo.
Samantala, pinuri naman nig House panel head ang mabilis na aksyon ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), sa aktibong pakikipag-ugnayan sa Office of the President, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), at the concerned licensed manning agencies sa pagkumpiska sa MSC Aries.
Kinatigan din ng kongresista ang agad na pakikipag-ugnayan sa pamilya ng apat na tripulante at pagkakaroon ng komunikasyon sa sa iba pa para tiyakin ligtas at agarang mapalaya ang apat na Filipino crew na pinaniniwalaang nasa kustodiya ng Iranian authorities.
Nakikiisa rin si Salo sa lahat pagsisikap at panawagan, gayundin ang pandaigdigang panalangin para wakasan ang gulo lalong madaling panahon at pagkakaroon ng mapayapang resolusyon ng hidwaan.
