President Marcos Confirms Safety of Filipino Hostages in Yemen Following Israeli Strike

MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has confirmed the safety of 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage by the Houthi group in Yemen, following a recent Israeli military strike on the port of Hodeidah.

According to Philippines News Agency, all 17 hostages were unharmed by the Israeli operation targeting the Houthi-controlled port. The president relayed assurances from the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, confirming the well-being of the Filipino crew members aboard the MV Galaxy Leader.

Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia Chargé d’Affaires Rommel Romato detailed that the Filipino seafarers’ situation is being closely monitored through collaboration with Yemen’s Honorary Consul. He emphasized that efforts are ongoing, in coordination with the governments of other crew members’ nations, to ensure the safety and expedite the release of the hostages.

The Houthi rebels had seized the cargo vessel near Hodeidah in November as it was en route to India, taking 25 crew members hostage, including 17 Filipinos. This incident has escalated following the Houthis’ drone attack on Tel Aviv on July 19, prompting the retaliatory strike by Israel on July 20, which resulted in casualties and significant injuries.

The international community, including the Philippines, continues to call for resolutions to conflicts in the Middle East to prevent further loss of life and ensure peace and security in the region. The United Nations has described the situation as increasingly precarious amid these latest developments.