DFA sees release of hostaged Filipino seafarers

DFA sees release of hostaged Filipino seafarers
Bernadette E. Tamayo November 30, 2023 https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/11/30/news/dfa-sees-release-of-hostaged...

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said the 17 Filipino seafarers being held by Yemen's Houthi rebels will "eventually be released."

"Government sources say that the hostages are in good condition, and will eventually be released. Efforts are ongoing for this to happen as soon as possible," the DFA said in a text message.

The 17 Filipinos were among other foreigners held hostage in the hijacking of a cargo vessel in the Red Sea on November 19.

The hijacking took place in the Red Sea and the adjoining Gulf of Aden - a crucial shipping route connecting Europe with the Middle East and Asia.

DFA spokesman Ma. Teresita Daza last November 22 said concerned agencies have "been making diplomatic representations with governments."

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Sen. Maria Josefa Imelda "Imee" Marcos is worried that some Filipino seafarers would end up as "collateral damage" in the Israeli-Hamas war as Yemeni rebels sympathetic to Hamas militants seized a Israeli-owned cargo ship with Filipino workers onboard.

The senator on Monday pressed the DFA and Department of Migrant Workers to negotiate the release of the Filipino seafarers as the Israeli-Hamas conflict expands beyond the Gaza Strip.

Filipino seafarers comprise 25 percent of those employed in the global maritime industry.