Iran-backed Houthis hostage 17 Filipinos

Still reeling from the distress over the safety of two Filipinos held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Israel, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 17 Pinoys are among the 25 captives of Yemeni Houthi rebels who hijacked a cargo vessel off the Red Sea on Sunday.

"There were 17 Filipinos, according to the manning agency, along with other foreign nationals," DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo de Vega said in a television interview yesterday.

De Vega said this was not the first time that Filipinos were held hostage by rebels, but this was "concerning" due to the connection to the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas terror group.

The Houthis, supported by Iran, have targeted Israel in recent weeks by launching missiles and drone attacks and have also threatened to seize Israeli ships in the Red Sea.

Iran condemns Israel's retaliation, including its ground invasion in the war-torn Gaza Strip, which left more than 13,000 civilians in the conclave since the 7 October surprise attack of Hamas.

"They targeted this ship because they said it was owned by an Israeli, although a Japanese company owns it," he said.

The cargo vessel, the Galaxy Leader, was on its way to India on Sunday. The rest of the crew comprised Romanians, Ukrainians, Mexicans and Bulgarians.

De Vega said the Philippine government is counting on the Houthi rebels' promise they would not harm any of the hostages.

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

Meanwhile, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said the Philippines, through the DFA, is coordinating with its counterparts for the captured Filipinos.

"We have been making diplomatic representations with governments," Daza told reporters in a WhatsApp message.

She said the DFA is also working with the DMW, which has primary jurisdiction over assistance in cases involving seafarers.

"But there is an all-of-government approach, and various government agencies are meeting and working together on this," she said.

"We assure the public that everything is being done to get our seafarers back safely," Daza added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers said it is currently working with the DFA and ship manning agency to monitor developments on the 17 Filipino seafarers who were held captive by the Yemeni Houthi rebels.

The DMW assured the families of the Filipino seafarers of their support and assistance.