President Marcos assured Filipino seafarers aboard MV Tutor, the vessel allegedly attacked by Houthi rebels, that the government was doing everything to ensure their safety, particularly by bringing them to Djibouti.

Marcos said this following the attack on the Greek-owned and Liberia-flagged freighter at the Red Sea on June 12.

In a video message uploaded to the official Facebook page of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Friday evening, June 14, the President said the government was working with the UK Maritime Trade Operations and other friendly nations to bring the affected seafarers to safety.

"Lahat ng maaaring gawin ay ginagawa na namin. Nagko-coordinate kami sa UK Maritime Trade Operations at naghahanap kami ng paraan para madala kayo muna sa Djibouti (We're doing everything we can. We're coordinating with the UK Maritime Trade Operations so we can bring you to Djibouti)," he said.

"Mula sa Djibouti, gumagawa rin kami ng mga arrangements para makapunta na kayo, makauwi na muna kayo (From Djibouti, we're working on arrangements so you can return home)," he added.

On Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) condemned the attack and called on United Nations (UN) member states to protect the human rights of seafarers.

"The Philippine government will take all necessary measures to secure the safety and well-being of the Filipino crew on board and ensure justice," it said.

"We remain steadfast in ensuring the safety and welfare of all Filipino seafarers worldwide," it added.

The DFA has yet to confirm the number of Filipino seafarers aboard MV Tutor.

This is not the first time Filipino seafarers have been affected by the Houthi rebels' sea attacks. It continues to hold the MV Galaxy Leader, a vessel it attacked at the Red Sea in March, which has 17 Filipino seafarers on board.