Efforts Underway to Secure Release of Filipino Seafarers Held by Houthi and Iranian Forces

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is working on securing the release of Filipino seafarers who are currently under Houthi and Iranian custody. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega expressed hope for their release but mentioned that there is no definite indication from the Houthis or Iranians about when the seafarers will be released. The DFA confirmed that 17 Filipinos aboard the Galaxy Leader cargo ship are among those held hostage by the Houthi armed group, while the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker St. Nikolas was boarded by armed individuals and appeared to have changed course toward Iran.

The Philippine embassy in Tehran is in talks with Iranian authorities to arrange a possible visit to the 18 seafarers held by Iran in order to verify their condition. The Philippine Consul in Yemen has confirmed that the 17 Filipinos held hostage by Houthis are unharmed. While there is no definite date for their release, the DFA is continuing diplomatic representations to secure their freedom. The situation remains ongoing, and the DFA is hopeful for the soonest release of the Filipino seafarers.

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