Statement: On the Rescue of 32 Filipino Seafarers and the Situation in the Gulf Region

20 June 2019--The Philippines expresses its appreciation to friendly governments for the rescue of Filipino seafarers who are crew members of the two disabled oil tankers sailing through the Gulf of Oman.

At the same time, the Philippine government condemns the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport and on the above-mentioned oil tankers. Attacks on civilian installations and commercial shipping can never be justified.

In the broader context of rising tensions within the region, the Philippine government urges all parties to exercise calm, patience and restraint, and resolve differences through peaceful dialogue and consultations to prevent further regrettable incidents from occurring.  END