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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA taking steps for release of 9 Filipino seafarers held by Houthis

DFA taking steps for release of 9 Filipino seafarers held by Houthis

Published Jul 31, 2025 09:58 am
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro assured that the government is working for the release of the nine Filipino seafarers of Liberia-flagged vessel MV Eternity C being held by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

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)
In a media interview on Wednesday, July 30, the official said that the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) are currently handling the case together.

“Ang inaasikaso lang namin together with DMW ay yung hindi pa nari-release ng mga Houthis. So, doon kami naka-focus ngayon (Together with DMW, we’re attending to those who have not been released by the Houthis. So, we are focused on that),” she added.

Lazaro shared that there are also current discussions about the safety and security of Filipino seafarers who continue to pass through the Red Sea, where the MV Eternity C was attacked by Houthi rebels as it was passing through on July 8.

“Ngayon, doon sa mga seafarers na nagta-traverse ng, itong delikado parte, ito naman pinag-uusapan together with the ship owners (Now, as for the seafarers who continue to traverse this dangerous part, we are discussing together with the ship owners),” the DFA chief said.

“So, meron kaming ginagawang mga pag-uusap (we have discussions). Basically because this is under the purview of the DMW, pero nag-uusap kami ng (we are talking with) DMW on this,” she added.

The DFA earlier said that based on a video released by the Houthi rebels, the Filipino seafarers “are well,” adding that the country’s honorary consul in Yemen “is working to see them.”

Some eight Filipino seafarers who were part of the crew of MV Eternity C were earlier rescued at sea and repatriated to the Philippines.

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

Filipino seafarers DFA Tess Lazaro MV Eternity C Houthi
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