DFA sees positive dev't in talks to extract Houthi-held Filipinos
Philippine News Agency
By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
November 18, 2025, 2:57 pm Updated on November 18, 2025, 3:08 pm
MANILA -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is expecting some positive development in the efforts to extract the Filipino seafarers being held by the Houthis in Yemen, Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said Tuesday.
She said partner countries in the Middle East are helping the Philippines appeal for the release of the Filipinos.
"We are hopeful that we have had very good relations with many of these countries. I cannot just divulge the negotiations or the discussions," she said in a joint press briefing with visiting Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin in Pasay City.
"I was just informed by the foreign minister concerned that something positive will come out in the coming days."
In July, the DFA confirmed that nine Filipino crew members of the ill-fated MV Eternity C were held captive by the Houthis after their vessel sank from a drone attack launched by the rebel group.
The vessel was carrying 22 crew members, 21 of whom are Filipinos, when the incident occurred in the Red Sea.
In the same briefing, Shahin said Palestine is ready to provide all the assistance it can extend within its capacity.
"If Palestine can be of any help, anywhere, and in whatever capacities we have, we will not shy away from extending that help and support," she said. "So yes, if there's anything that we can do, we will do it."
Earlier this year, the Houthis released 17 Filipino seafarers from another ship, the MV Galaxy Leader, after holding them hostage for at least 14 months.
The release was made possible with the successful mediation efforts by the government of Oman following the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, the condition required by the Houthi captors of the Galaxy Leader crew at that time. (PNA)
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