The Department of Migrant Workers said on Wednesday that the agency is currently working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the registered shipping manning agency of the vessel to monitor the 17 Filipino seafarers who were taken hostage by the Yemeni Houthi rebels.

In a statement published by DMW, the agency assured the families of the Filipino seafarers of their support and assistance.

The hostage-taking happened last 19 November when the Yemeni Houthi rebels seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Red Sea, capturing 25 crew members including the 17 Filipino seafarers.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said on Wednesday that the government is concerned because the incident is connected to Israel's war against the militant group Hamas.

De Vega stressed that they had received information that no foreign crew member would be harmed.

"What reached us is that no harm will be done to the foreign crew members," de Vega said in an interview adding that DFA will hold a meeting with DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Maritime Industry Authority.