Marina monitoring PH-registered ships as Middle East conflict rages on

March 3 ------ The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said Monday it was tracking Philippine-registered vessels in international waters as conflict continued in the Middle East following United States and Israeli strikes against Iran.

"Marina has conducted an assessment of the Philippine-Registered Overseas Fleet (PROF), with particular attention to vessels operating within or transiting through areas of geopolitical concern," said the agency, which is responsible for regulating the local maritime industry.

Marina said it issued an advisory directing shipping companies to implement "precautionary security measures," with guidance from international maritime authorities. "Marina is closely monitoring the situation and urges shipping companies to remain vigilant and exercise caution. Philippine-registered ships are advised to avoid transiting the affected areas," it said.

The agency also stressed that the status of affected Filipino seafarers was being monitored by the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs. "Marina remains vigilant and ready to take further necessary measures to safeguard Philippine-registered vessels and Filipino seafarers," it added.

On Saturday, the US and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, which later led to the death of its longtime leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - a development that has since sparked a wave of retaliatory attacks by the Islamic Republic against US, Israel and other parts of the Middle East. The conflict has disrupted travel through the Strait of Hormuz, a major maritime route through which around 20 percent of the world's oil passes.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com