DMW: No timeline yet on release of 17 Filipino hostages in Red Sea

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Wednesday said that there is no timeline yet for the release of the 17 Filipino seafarers who were among the foreigners held hostage in the southern Red Sea in November 2023. 

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said the agency is closely coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding their efforts with other governments.

“We’re praying hard that soon that they would come home,” Cacdac said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay.

“In the meantime, ang directive ng Presidente is to hand hold, take care of the families, so we have been in constant communication with the families,” he added.

The seafarers were held hostage when Yemen's Houthis seized their ship in November 2023.

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

Meanwhile, Cacdac said three Filipino crew members were saved following the recent attack by Houthis against the MSC Orion container ship in the Indian Ocean.

“Drone attack in the Indian ocean. No damage to the ship. Natamaan (it was hit) but very minor damage to the ship ng drone. This was on April 29… and the three Philippine crew in the second ship are saved,” he said.

Twenty-one Filipino crew members were meanwhile rescued following an attack against bulk carrier Cyclades.

“Drone attack in the red sea. Natamaan (it was hit) pero again minor damage to the ship. April 29th… so two days ago… 21 Filipino crew are saved,” he said.

Cacdac, meanwhile, reiterated that seafarers now have the right to refuse to sail through the Gulf of Aden and be repatriated instead. —VAL, GMA Integrated News