Pasay city: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is anticipating positive developments in the mission to secure the release of Filipino seafarers currently detained by the Houthis in Yemen. Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro announced this during a press briefing held in the city.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Lazaro highlighted the support from partner countries in the Middle East, which are assisting the Philippines in its appeal for the release of the detained 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 stated during a joint press conference with Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. Lazaro added that a foreign minister had informed her that positive outcomes might emerge soon.

The issue dates back to July when the DFA confirmed that nine Filipino crew members from the ill-fated MV Eternity C were captured by the Houthis after their vessel was attacked by a drone launched by the rebel group. The vessel, at the time, carried 22 crew members, 21 of whom were Filipinos, and the incident occurred in the Red Sea.

During the same briefing, Foreign Minister Shahin expressed Palestine’s readiness to provide assistance as needed. “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,” Shahin stated. “So yes, if there’s anything that we can do, we will do it.”

This situation echoes an earlier incident where 17 Filipino seafarers from the MV Galaxy Leader were released by the Houthis. Their release was achieved through successful mediation efforts by Oman, following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, which was a condition set by the captors at that time.