MANILA, Feb. 22 -- Iran is allowing the release of all crew members of the seized ST Nikolas once their replacement to man the ship arrives, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

At least 17 of the 19 original crew members remain on the vessel after a Filipino and a Greek cadet were released early this month and in January, respectively.

In a Bagong Pilipinas interview, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said a vessel, even if docked in a port, must have crews attend it all the time.

"Ito'y legal seizure according to the Iranian authorities ayon sa isang Iranian court order. In other words, ang trato sa kanila ay hindi hostages parang empleyado pa rin ng agency (This is a legal seizure according to the Iranian aut...