The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reported that efforts to secure the release of Filipino seafarers held hostage aboard the Galaxy Leader vessel continue, with the Yemeni Houthis demanding an end to the Gaza conflict before considering their release.
According to Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, despite collaborative efforts with other governments, the Houthis remain firm in their stance, linking the release of the seafarers to the cessation of the war in Gaza.
The Filipino workers, who have been held captive for over 100 days off the coast of Yemen in Al Hudaydah, are reported to be safe and in contact with their families.
The Philippines is working closely with diplomatic counterparts to facilitate the release, although De Vega expressed frustration, stating that “there simply seems to be no solution other than what they demand.”
In a separate incident, recovery operations are underway for the remains of two Filipino seafarers who lost their lives in a recent Houthi attack on the True Confidence bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden.
Despite the risks posed by Houthi attacks in the region, Filipino seafarers are increasingly hesitant to embark on voyages in high-risk areas. The DFA has identified several such areas, including the Yemeni coast, the southern Red Sea, and various others.