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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA: 9 Filipino seafarers being held captive by Houthi rebels are 'well'

DFA: 9 Filipino seafarers being held captive by Houthi rebels are 'well'

Published Jul 30, 2025 09:16 am
Nine Filipino seafarers are in the hands of Houthi rebels, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday, July 30, assuring that “they are well” while the government works to secure their release.

This image released by Ansar Allah Media Office in Yemen shows the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C is seen as it sinks in the Red Sea on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (Ansar Allah Media Office via AP)
This image released by Ansar Allah Media Office in Yemen shows the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C is seen as it sinks in the Red Sea on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (Ansar Allah Media Office via AP)
“All indications are that they in Sanaa, inland Yemen. At hands of Houthis. 9 of them. An earlier group of 8 were earlier repatriated,” DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega confirmed.

However, he also assured that the Philippines’ honorary consul in Yemen “has been assured they are well” and that “he is working to see them.”

“We are working for their release, with the help of friendly governments,” De Vega said, recalling that 17 Filipino seafarers from MV Galaxy Leader were earlier released and repatriated after over a year of being held captive.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said the nine Filipino seafarers were aboard the Liberia-flagged vessel MV Eternity C, which was attacked by Houthi rebels as it was passing through the Red Sea on July 8.

In the video released by the Houthi group, 11 crew members of the bulk carrier were shown to be alive and well. Of this number, some of them were Filipinos.

Eight Filipinos who were rescued after the attack were already repatriated to the Philippines last July 16.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac cited reports from the eight rescued Filipinos that three other seafarers have died while one was missing, but he stressed that this report is still unconfirmed for now.

Related Tags

DFA Eduardo de Vega Houthi Filipino seafarers MV Eternity C Yemen
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