PH seeks release of Filipino hostages in Yemen

The Philippines is in talks with Yemen's Sana'a government to rescue sick Filipino crew members who are being held by the Houthi rebels, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Based on the agency’s update to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dated July 30, Honorary Consul to Yemen Mohammad Saleh Al-Jamal confirmed that several Filipino crew members of the MV Galaxy Leader are experiencing significant health issues, including malaria symptoms.

It said that the Sana'a government in Yemen has provided medical assistance to the sick crew members and that Al-Jamal sought assistance from Sana’a authorities for their release, citing humanitarian reasons because of their declining health condition.

“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 DFA said.

It noted that 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.

Sana’a is the capital and the largest city of Yemen. Its authorities control the Houthis.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Undersecretary for Migration Affairs of the DFA is awaiting Al-Jamal’s report on the follow-up meeting between Ambassador Ahmed Omar and representatives of the Yemeni Foreign Ministry in Sana’a.

Last Saturday, President Marcos expressed relief as he announced that none of the 17 Filipino seafarers under the custody of the Houthis were affected by the recent Israeli attack on the port of Hodeidah, Yemen.

Marcos also assured the loved ones of the seafarers that ''our government has not forsaken them and that we are doing everything to secure their safe return home."

The strike on Yemen, which Israeli officials said came after more than 200 Houthi attacks on Israel, underlined fears that the Gaza war, triggered by the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, could spiral into a regional conflict. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News