9 FILIPINO CREW MEMBERS OF MV ETERNITY C HELD BY HOUTHI REBELS, 3 OTHERS DEAD  — CACDAC

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday confirmed that nine Filipino crew members of the ill-fated MV Eternity C are in the hands of Houthi forces, while three others were reportedly dead.

“We want to clarify the current figures: there are three (3) reported fatalities—not four, as earlier speculated—and one is still missing. This brings the total accounted to 12. The remaining nine seafarers have been confirmed to be in the custody of Houthi forces, based on our coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA),” Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said.

The Secretary also reported that eight of the seafarers have already been safely repatriated and reunited with their families back in the Philippines and were provided will all the necessary assistance and reintegration support from the government.

“Our monitoring efforts continue, and our support to the families is sustained. The safety and repatriation of all our seafarers remain our top priority,” Cacdac said.

He said the DMW remains in close coordination with the DFA to further ensure the safety, well-being, and eventual safe return of those still in custody of Houthi forces, in keeping with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that no Filipino is left behind.

Since the incident, the DMW has maintained constant communication with the affected families, providing them with regular updates, psychosocial support, and assistance in accessing government services.

The department also reiterated its commitment to ‘handhold’ the families through this crisis, ensuring they are not left behind as the government works toward the resolution of the situation.