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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos: All-out efforts underway to secure return of Pinoy seafarers from Houthi rebels

Marcos: All-out efforts underway to secure return of Pinoy seafarers from Houthi rebels

Published Nov 23, 2023 01:18 am

At A Glance

  • According to the DFA, the Yemeni rebels seized the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader and took hostage its 25 crewmembers in retaliation for Israel's offensive in Gaza.

President Marcos assured the public that the government is doing all it can to ensure the safety of the 17 Filipino seafarers taken hostage by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Marcos_RPC1.jpg
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Malacañang photo)

In a social media post, the President said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was already coordinating with their Middle Eastern counterparts.

"Our seafarers are not alone. The government is doing everything in our power to bring them safely home," he said.

"The safety of our 17 Filipino seafarers is of utmost concern. DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) is in coordination with its counterparts in Iran, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia for updates," he added.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is also in regular communication with the families of the hostages.

According to the DFA, the Yemeni rebels seized the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader and took hostage its 25 crewmembers in retaliation for Israel's offensive in Gaza.

The Bahamas-flagged, British-owned Galaxy Leader, with links to Israeli businessman Abraham "Rami" Ungar, is operated by a Japanese firm.

In a statement, the DMW assured the seafarers' families of the government's support and assistance.

The United States, which called for the immediate release of the ship and its crew, said it was considering designating Houthi rebels a terrorist organization following the Red Sea incident.

Related Tags

Bongbong Marcos Filipino seafarers Houthi rebels Yemen President Marcos
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