Filipino seafarers held by Houthi rebels stricken with malaria symptoms: Palace

Filipino seafarers held by Houthi rebels stricken with malaria symptoms: Palace
ABS-CBN News Aug 02, 2024 https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/2/filipino-seafarers-held-by-houthi...

MANILA – Some of the 17 Filipino seafarers taken hostage by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on MV Galaxy Leader are suffering from symptoms of malaria, the Presidential Communications Office said Friday.

It said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) informed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that “several Filipino crew members were experiencing significant health issues as they show malaria symptoms.”

Malaria in a life-threatening disease spread by mosquitoes. Its symptoms include fever, chills, and headache, as well as fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing in severe cases, according to The Who.

Honorary Consul to Yemen Mohammad Saleh Al-Jamal sought assistance for the release of the Filipinos from Sana’a authorities who control the Houthis, the PCO said.

“In response, Sana’a authorities affirmed the provision of assistance by informing concerned officials in the Sana’a government and by sending specialized doctors to the vessel to carry out necessary medical procedures,” the Palace said, quoting the DFA.

“However, with regard to the release of the Filipino crew members, the Sana’a government responded that the case depends on external decisions; hence, negotiations and discussions are plausible for their fate and possible release. The Sana’a government will discuss the issue and the case with the specialists and the Presidency of the Yemeni Republic under the Houthi government,” it added.

The Palace said the DFA was waiting for the report on the follow-up meeting between Ambassador Ahmed Omar and representatives of the Yemeni Foreign Ministry in Sana’a.

Last Saturday, Marcos said none of the 17 Filipino seafarers under the custody of Houthis were affected by the recent Israeli attack on the port of Hodeidah, Yemen.

The Houthis began attacking ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea last November, a campaign they say is intended to signal solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

In November last year, Houthis hijacked the Israeli-owned MV Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea.

– With a report from Agence France-Presse