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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House 'deeply concerned' as Houthi pirates hold 17 Pinoy seamen hostage 

House 'deeply concerned' as Houthi pirates hold 17 Pinoy seamen hostage 

Published Nov 23, 2023 03:36 am

At A Glance

  • The House of Representatives is "deeply concerned" over the reported capture of 17 Filipino seafarers by Houthi pirates in the Red Sea, says Speaker Martin Romualdez.

IMG-a3ea482b22d53a0b310e0231f317a046-V.jpgHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez (PPAB)

 

 

 

 

 

The House of Representatives is "deeply concerned" over the reported capture of 17 Filipino seafarers by Houthi pirates in the Red Sea. 

"We, at the House of Representatives, are deeply concerned about the distressing situation involving 17 of our brave Filipino seafarers who are currently held hostage by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea," Speaker Martin Romualdez said in a statement Thursday, Nov. 23. 

"This situation demands our immediate and focused attention," stressed Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong legisltive chamber. 

"The House of Representatives is closely working with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos to ensure the safety and well-being of our fellow Filipinos, which is of the highest importance," he added. 

On Monday, Yemen-based Houthi rebels released video footage of them seizing a vessel that they said was owned by an Israeli company. Reports indicate that they were mistaken. 

The vessel, which had crew members from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Mexico, and Romania, was on its way to India from Turkey when rebels seized it. 

Romualdez said the House of Representatives will support all efforts to secure the release of the Filipino hostages. 

"We are in full support of the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) efforts to secure their immediate and safe release," he said. 

"We call on the international community to join us in condemning this act of piracy and to assist in any way possible to resolve this crisis. The Philippines is committed to working tirelessly to ensure our citizens' safe return and address the underlying issues that lead to such incidents," said the Leyte 1st district congressman. 

"We hold the seafarers and their families close in our hearts and minds, standing with them in solidarity through this incredibly challenging period," he concluded. 

Related Tags

Martin Romualdez hostage Filipino seafarers House of Representative
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