Gov’t working to ensure safety of Filipinos held hostage in Red Sea

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. | FILE PHOTO: PCO

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said that the government is working to ensure the safety of the Filipino seafarers held hostage in the Red Sea.

Marcos said that both the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) are doing their respective duties.

“The safety of our 17 Filipino seafarers is of utmost concern. DFA is in coordination with their counterparts in Iran, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia for updates, and the DMW is in regular communication with the families of the hostages,” Marcos said on a Facebook post.

READ: DFA confirms 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels in Red Sea

“Our seafarers are not alone. The government is doing everything in our power to bring them safely home,” he said.

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Houthi rebels hijacked the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader, taking 25 hostages in total.