MANILA, April 14 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is checking whether a Filipino national is among the crew members of a vessel seized by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) near the Strait of Hormuz.

Once confirmed, the DFA vowed to extend all necessary assistance to ensure their release.

"We are working in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Tehran and the Department of Migrant Workers to verify the presence of Filipino seafarers on board," it said Saturday night.

"If so, no efforts will be spared to have them released and returned home as possible," it added.

The agency emphasized that the welfare of Filipino seafarers and other overseas nationals is an ongoing commitment of the administration of Preside...