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PH uses 'quiet diplomacy' for release of seafarers held hostage

Philippines | National

PH uses 'quiet diplomacy' for release of seafarers held hostage

By Joseph Pedrajas

The Philippines is currently letting “quiet diplomacy” to do its work for the possible release of 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega disclosed this on Saturday, Dec. 9, as the Philippine government remains hopeful for the possible freedom of the captive seafarers.

“The seamen are being allowed to contact their families back home to assure them that they are safe,” de Vega added.

On Nov. 30, the DFA said that efforts are ongoing for the eventual release of the seafarers, who have been held hostage since Nov. 22.

De Vega earlier said that the incident was related to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas as it is feared of spreading to Gaza's neighboring countries, where some rebel groups that are Hamas-sympathizers started taking up arms.

NYK Line, the company operating the cargo, said there were 25 people on board. Other crew members were from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Mexico and Romania.

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hostage Houthi rebels

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