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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 17 Filipino hostages held by Houthi rebels safe — DFA

17 Filipino hostages held by Houthi rebels safe — DFA

Published Nov 23, 2023 05:55 am

​The 17 Filipino seafarers aboard a ship who were taken hostage by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea are currently safe, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official said Thursday, Nov. 23.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said that "all indications are that they are safe and not being physically harmed."

In fact, de Vega added, one of them was able to contact his family in the Philippines.

"We can't reveal as many details as you would like in order to protect them as well. However, yes, they're being held. There's 17 of them. And DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) is in touch with their families," he said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

De Vega said the DFA is now handling diplomatic matters with regard to the incident and is talking to foreign governments.

He said the Philippine government is hopeful that there will be positive news in the coming days.

Houthi rebels, who are Hamas-sympathizers in the Israel-Hamas war, hijacked the ship, where the 17 Filipinos and eight other nationalities were working, on Nov. 19 after landing from a helicopter.

They reportedly took over the ship as they believed it was Israeli-owned, although it turned out to be owned by a British company and operated by a Japanese.

De Vega said the Japanese company and the manning agency of the seafarers are now coordinating with the rebels to ensure the safety of the crew members.

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