Manila – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured on Thursday that the 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea are in good condition.
According to Philippines News Agency, government sources have indicated that the hostages are safe and efforts are underway to secure their release as soon as possible. The DFA has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts with various foreign governments for the release of the seafarers.
The 17 Filipinos are part of the 25-member crew of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader, which was hijacked by Houthi rebels on November 19. In response to the situation, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that he is dispatching a high-level delegation to Tehran, Iran, to provide necessary assistance to the seafarers. Details regarding the leadership of this mission have not yet been disclosed by the agency.
