THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has confirmed that nine Filipino crew members of the ill-fated MV Eternity C are being held by Houthi rebels.
In a statement, the DMW also confirmed that three of the 21 Filipino crew members on board the cargo ship have died, while one remains missing.
“We want to clarify the current figures: there are three 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),” DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said.
He said the eight Filipino sailors who were rescued after the ship sank have already been safely repatriated and reunited with their families in the Philippines.
They were given all necessary assistance and reintegration support by 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,” said Cacdac.
He said the agency also 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,” said Cacdac.
“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,” he added. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)