| Photo by Ian Taylor on Unsplash
MANILA — The Philippine government has received formal confirmation from Iran that Philippine‑flagged commercial vessels will be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz despite heightened regional tensions, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.
DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said Tehran conveyed the commitment through a diplomatic note transmitted to the Philippine Embassy in Tehran. “Iran has assured that it will not impede the lawful transit of Philippine‑flagged ships,” Daza said in a briefing, citing the official communication.
Maritime Security Concerns Rise
The assurance comes as global shipping companies reroute or delay voyages due to missile attacks, drone activity, and naval mobilizations linked to the Iran‑Israel conflict. The Strait of Hormuz — a narrow chokepoint between Iran and Oman — handles roughly 20 percent of the world’s crude oil and petroleum liquids, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Philippine officials have been monitoring the situation closely, given the country’s dependence on imported fuel. “Any disruption in Hormuz affects Asia, and the Philippines is no exception,” said maritime analyst Jay Batongbacal, noting that Manila’s supply chain is tied to Gulf exporters.
Fuel Shipments Already in Motion
A senior DFA official, speaking on background, confirmed that “ongoing commercial fuel shipments bound for the Philippines are currently moving through the Gulf region.” These shipments originate primarily from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, two of Manila’s major petroleum suppliers.
The official added that tankers carrying refined petroleum products and liquefied natural gas (LNG) have not reported any harassment or diversion attempts. “So far, no Philippine‑linked vessel has encountered a security incident,” the official said.
No Evacuation or Diversion Orders
The Department of Energy (DOE) said it has not issued any directive for fuel importers to reroute vessels away from Hormuz. DOE Undersecretary Sharon Garin said the agency is in constant coordination with shippers and Gulf‑based suppliers. “Our monitoring shows that shipments continue as scheduled,” she said.
Garin added that the Philippines maintains a 30‑day minimum inventory requirement for oil companies, giving the country a buffer should the situation deteriorate.
Is There a Movement Underway?
According to maritime tracking platforms such as MarineTraffic and TankerTrackers, yes — vessel movement is ongoing, with several tankers on standard commercial routes from Ruwais (UAE), Jebel Ali (UAE), Yanbu (Saudi Arabia), and Dammam (Saudi Arabia) heading eastward toward the Indian Ocean before turning toward Southeast Asia.
These routes require passing through the Strait of Hormuz, making Iran’s assurance critical for Manila’s energy security.
Regional Diplomacy Continues
The Philippine Embassies in Tehran and Abu Dhabi are coordinating with Gulf authorities to ensure an uninterrupted supply. Ambassador Robert Borje said Manila is maintaining “open and constructive channels” with Iran. “We appreciate Iran’s commitment to uphold freedom of navigation,” Borje said in a statement.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry, in its own public briefing, reiterated that commercial shipping “will not be targeted,” emphasizing that its actions are directed only at “hostile military actors.” Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported the statement.
Manila Urges Vigilance but Notes Stability
Despite the assurances, the DFA advised Filipino seafarers and shipping companies to remain vigilant. “The situation remains fluid, and we continue to assess risks,” Daza said.
For now, Philippine-bound fuel shipments continue to move — and Iran’s written guarantee provides Manila with a measure of stability amid a volatile regional landscape.
