President Marcos said the 17 Filipinos still being held hostage by Houthi militants were unscathed by Israel’s recent bombardment of Yemen’s port of Hodeidah.
“I am gratified to inform the nation that none of our 17 seafarers currently in the custody of the Houthis were affected by the recent Israeli attack on the port of Hodeidah, Yemen,” Mr. Marcos said after an update from Philippine Embassy officials stationed in Riyadh.
Israel carried out an airstrike on July 20 in response to the Houthi’s drone attack on Tel Aviv on July 19, which killed one and injured 10 individuals.
On Saturday evening, Mr. Marcos assured the sailors’ families that the Philippine government has “not forsaken them and that we are doing everything to secure their safe return home.”
“The Philippines once again joins the community of nations in calling for a speedy resolution of the current conflicts in the Middle East region, to the end that no more lives may be lost and all can live in peace,” he added.
Houthi militants hijacked the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader near Hodeidah in November while it was sailing for India and held hostage its 25 crewmembers, 17 of whom are Filipinos.
