From left to right: Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi

MANILA, Philippines – The flow of goods to and from the Philippines is currently strained by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as around 100 container vessels are trapped within the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping executive said.

Speaking to the Senate agriculture panel on Wednesday, April 8, Association of International Shipping Lines (ASIL) president Patrick Ronas said about 130 container ships are trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, with very few able to get out.

“Aside from that, you also have your general cargo ships and a few tankers that will have to maneuver or find a way as to how they get out of that strait,” he said.