By Ferdinand Patinio/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Silvestre Bello III said on Friday the Filipino crew of the two oil tankers attacked by still unidentified perpetrators in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday are alive and well.
“All 27 of them are safe,” he said in a radio interview, adding that he was informed by Labor Attaché to Muscat Ponciano Ligutom that all the 27 seafarers are unharmed.
“There was an attack there, but, fortunately, we have no countrymen that are among the casualties,” he added.
Bello issued the statement after the tankers were allegedly attacked in the said area on June 13.
The two ships — one carrying oil and the other transporting a cargo of chemicals — were targeted leaving one ablaze and both adrift by still unidentified attackers.
Reports said all crew members were safely evacuated and were subsequently rescued by a ship headed to the United Arab Emirates.
The Gulf of Oman is located in the Middle East between Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
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