MANILA – The Philippines has expressed serious concern over the growing tension between Israel and Iran and urged both to work on resolving their conflict.
The Philippines said they have long advocated for all states to adhere to the principles of international law and to the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The Philippines expresses its serious concern over the increasing tensions between Israel and Iran,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Monday morning.
“We urge all parties to refrain from escalating the situation and to work towards a peaceful resolution of their conflict,” it added.
The DFA issued a statement after Iranian forces seized container vessel MSC Aries, which has four Filipino seafarers on board, neat the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend.
The Philippines deploys migrant workers to all parts of the world and many Filipinos are in the Middle East for work.
Iran launched attacks against Israel on Saturday (Sunday in the Philippines), using drones and missiles.
Iran said its attack came in response to the April 1 air strike on Tehran’s consulate building in Damascus, Syria which killed seven Revolutionary Guards including two generals.
The Israeli military said that while 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles were shot down before reaching Israel, a few of the 110 ballistic missiles did get through./PN
