PINOY SEAFARERS HELD HOSTAGE BY HOUTHI REBELS ALLOWED TO CONTACT FAMILY – DFA

THE Filipino crew of MV Galaxy Leader who were held captive by the Houthi group since November 2023 were allowed to contact their families once a week, according to an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega on Saturday described the gesture as a positive development.

The Philippine government will be sending an honorary consul to Hodeidah in Yemen to meet with the seafarers, he said.

De Vega reiterated the crew remain as captives since the demands of the rebel group have not been met.

“Hawak sila ng mga Houthis. Iri-release sila ‘pag tapos na iyong giyera,” De Vega said in a news forum in Quezon City.

The government continues to work on the release of the captives, along with the call for the ceasefire in Gaza.

“We want the war in Gaza to end because it will affect the fate of 17 Filipino seafarers who are still being hostaged in Yemen by the Houthis,” De Vega said.

In November 2023, the Houthi hijacked MV Galaxy Leader and held hostage its 25 crewmembers in support for the Hamas war against Israel in Gaza.