17 Filipino seafarers abducted in Yemen

(UPDATE) THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) gave assurances that the Philippine government is doing everything to secure the release of 17 Filipino seafarers kidnapped in Yemen.

DFA spokesman Ma. Teresita Daza on Wednesday said concerned agencies have “been making diplomatic representations with governments.”

“[The] DFA is working with DMW (Department of Migrant Workers), which has primary jurisdiction over assistance cases involving seafarers,” Daza said in a text message.

“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.”

AFP Photo Document reference000_344A8XL SLUGYEMEN – ISRAEL – PALESTINIAN – CONFLICT – HUTHI – SHIP Creation date11/22/2023 CountryHODEIDA, YEMEN CreditAFP File size/pixels/dpi11.12 Mb / 2415 x 1610 / 300 dpi A picture taken during an organised tour by Yemen’s Huthi rebels on November 22, 2023 shows the Galaxy Leader cargo ship, seized by Huthi fighters two days earlier, docked in a port on the Red Sea in the Yemeni province of Hodeida. The Bahamas-flagged, British-owned Galaxy Leader, operated by a Japanese firm but having links to an Israeli businessman, was headed from Turkey to India when it was seized and re-routed to Hodeida November 19, according to maritime security company Ambrey. The Huthis said the capture was in retaliation for Israel’s war against Hamas, sparked by the October 7 attack by the Palestinian militants who killed 1,200 people and took around 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials. AFP

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian urged the DFA and DMW “to work for the safe release of the hostages as soon as possible, for their repatriation if necessary, and the overall resolution of this distressing situation.”

“This situation is alarming, and our primary focus should be the safety and well-being of the affected individuals,” the senator said in a statement.

“I also emphasize the need for a thorough investigation to determine the motives behind this incident and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions,” Gatchalian said.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said Manila is concerned over the hijacking as this may be connected with the Israel-Hamas war.

The official said the captors have said they would not hurt the foreign crewmembers.

“Nevertheless, different government agencies here will be holding a meeting with Malacañang, together with the Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, to discuss this situation,” he said.

The official said the DFA is already making representation with foreign governments in the area.

Reports from the Associated Press cited Yemen’s Houthi rebels as saying that they hijacked the vessel over its connection to Israel and that “all ships belonging to the Israeli enemy or that deal with it will become legitimate targets.”

At least 25 crew members are being held hostage, some of whom are from Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Mexico.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas entered its sixth week since the Palestinian group launched a cross-border attack on southern Israel on October 7, and the latter responded with retaliatory strikes and ground assault in Gaza.

More than 200 were kidnapped by the Hamas group, with two Filipino nationals reported as among the hostages.

WITH PNA