Filipino seafarers 'safe,' says owner of Houthi hijacked ship 

The owner of the commercial vessel seized by Yemeni rebel group Houthi in the Red Sea has guaranteed the safety of their crew members including the 17 Filipino seafarers onboard the hijacked ship.

The management of Galaxy Leader cargo ship made the assurance to the Philippine government during a meeting with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), JP Soriano reported on “24 Oras” Thursday. 

“They’re safe. Paano ba yung sahod? So yung sahod tuluy-tuloy at dinoble pa yung sahod,” OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio said. 

(They’re safe. How about their salaries? It was continuous and doubled.)

As for the high-level delegation being organized for the release of the Filipino victims, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the creation of the diplomatic representation is still ongoing. 

De Vega also said they are observing “quiet diplomacy," adding they need to be careful in sharing information. 

“Tinanong ko rin ‘yan sabi ko ah ‘meron bang negotiations?’  Wala silang masabing negotiations any negotiations kasi nga wala namang hinihingi,” said Ignacio.

(I asked them about the negotiations but they cannot tell me anything because no negotiations were being asked.)

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has instructed concerned agencies to do everything to ensure the safety of the Filipinos held hostage. 

The Houthis, an ally of Iran, have been launching long-range missile and drone salvoes toward Israel in solidarity with the Hamas militants fighting in the Gaza Strip. 

Israel said the Houthis had seized a British-owned and Japanese-operated cargo ship in the southern Red Sea, describing the incident as an "Iranian act of terrorism" with consequences for international maritime security.

The Houthis said they had seized a ship in that area but described it as Israeli. 

Yemenis flocked to the seized ship after guests were allowed to visit the vessel and its deck. 

OFW lounge

Meanwhile, three seafarers were allowed to use the newly established overseas Filipino workers (OFW) lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport ahead of its official opening on December 15.

OFWs may enjoy free food, drinks, and internet connectivity inside the lounge while awaiting their flights. —Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News