MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that the arrangement ensuring safe passage for Philippine-flagged vessels and Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz remains in effect, despite a reported drone attack on a container ship carrying Filipino crew members.

“The existing arrangement between the Philippines and Iran on safe passage remains valid and in effect,” DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said in a message to GMA News Online.

“The DFA and DMW continue to ensure the safety and well being of our nationals amidst the tension in the Middle East,” she added.

The statement comes after Senator Erwin Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said he would ask the Department of Foreign Affairs to seek clarification from Iran regarding the status of the agreement.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) earlier confirmed that seven Filipino crew members aboard the container ship CMA CGM San Antonio were injured after it was allegedly struck by an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz on May 5. It also said one of the three Filipinos confined in intensive care is now able to breathe on his own.

The DFA did not provide further details on whether any changes to the agreement are being discussed.