30-11-2023 (MANILA) The Philippines is set to dispatch a high-level delegation to Iran to aid in the release of 17 Filipino seafarers who were captured last week by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, officials announced on Thursday.
President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos revealed in a social media post, “Today, I will be convening a meeting to facilitate the dispatch of a high-level delegation to Tehran, Iran, with the aim of providing necessary assistance to our seafarers.” Marcos also noted that he would be skipping the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to concentrate on securing the release of the hostages.
The 17 Filipino seafarers were part of the crew aboard a cargo vessel seized by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The rebels acknowledged on November 19 that they had hijacked the “Israeli cargo ship.”
Teresita Daza, spokesperson for the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs, stated, citing “government sources,” that “the hostages are in good condition and will eventually be released.” She added, “Efforts are ongoing for this to happen as soon as possible.”
The move to send a high-level delegation underscores the Philippines’ commitment to ensuring the safety and swift release of its citizens caught in the conflict. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts in full swing to bring about a positive resolution and reunite the seafarers with their families.
