DFA, DMW continues to monitor status of Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels

DFA, DMW continues to monitor status of Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels

IN accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the government continues to provide support to the families of the 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage by the Houthi rebels.

In a press conference, Hans Leo Cacdac, Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), stated that they are taking all necessary measures to ensure full support and assistance to the families of the seafarers captured by Houthi rebels on November 19.

The agency is also coordinating with manning agencies to ensure the safe return of the mariners from Houthi captivity.

The Departments of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Migrant Workers are currently collaborating with other government agencies to facilitate the safe return of the 17 Filipino seafarers captured in the Red Sea.

Senator Christopher Bong Go, meanwhile, expressed concern over the hostage situation, acknowledging the challenges faced by seafarers working abroad.

“So, that’s why, we’re saddened by this. I’m worried. I’m worried about the situation of our 17 seafarers who got caught up in the war in Israel.”

“I hope that those who are innocent— I also appeal to the nation of Israel, to everyone involved in this war— that you release those who are innocent,” according to Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.

They’re just working to earn a living in another country.

The DFA confirmed that 25 crew members were initially taken hostage on a cargo ship, with some from Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Mexico, and 17 of them being Filipino.

This incident may be connected to tensions between Palestinian militants and Israel.

OFW & Kabayan Party-lists condemn hostage of 17 Filipino seafarers by Houthi rebels

Meanwhile, the OFW Party-list and Kabayan Party-list vehemently condemned the hijacking of a cargo ship by Houthi rebels on November 19 in the Red Sea and the subsequent hostage-taking of 17 Filipino seafarers.

OFW Party-list Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino urged the DFA and DMW to engage with other countries to ensure the safety of the Filipino mariners.

The OFW Party-list seeks peaceful resolution and calls for an inquiry into the events leading to the hostage-taking.

Magsino emphasized that this incident highlights the dangers faced by seafarers in their work and called for support for the proposed Magna Carta for Seafarers.

“I vehemently condemn the reported reprehensible act of Houthi rebels of seizing the Israeli-linked cargo ship, Galaxy Leader, and holding seventeen Filipino seafarers, along with their international counterparts, hostage in the Red Sea. This deplorable incident, allegedly connected to the Israel-Hamas conflict, demands our immediate attention and unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of our fellow countrymen.”

“I urgently call upon the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to collaborate swiftly and effectively in coordinating efforts to secure the release of the Filipino seafarers and all crew members. It is imperative that we engage with international bodies to exert diplomatic pressure and influence towards a peaceful resolution. Our government’s intervention is crucial, and we must leave no stone unturned to protect our citizens caught in this perilous situation.”

“Furthermore, I extend a heartfelt plea to the international community to remain vigilant and join us in prayer for the safety and well-being of the affected seafarers. The gravity of this situation requires a unified front to ensure a swift and secure return of those held captive.”

“We stand united in condemning this act of aggression and must work collaboratively to bring about a resolution that prioritizes the safety and dignity of our Filipino seafarers and their fellow crew members,”  OFW Party-list stated.

 

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