THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, that nine Filipino crew members from the M/V Eternity C are held captive by Houthi rebels. This confirmation followed the release of a video by the rebels showing pictures of the seafarers.
During a virtual press conference, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that the identities of the nine captive seafarers have been confirmed.
"We still have a balance of nine seafarers and, today, we confirm that the nine are in the hands of the Houthi forces," Cacdac said.
"There were direct identification from their loved ones, from their spouses here in the Philippines with respect to the nine prior to this video announcement by the Houthis," he added.
Cacdac said they have been told that the nine crew members are in "good condition" despite being held in captivity.
"Under the circumstances, they have told their families that they are in good condition," said the official.
Regarding the remaining crew members of the MV Eternity C, Cacdac said one is missing and three were killed, as previously reported.
"We have three reported fatalities from the accounts of the returned seafarers, and then one who is missing," he stated.
Earlier this month, Houthi rebels attacked the M/V Eternity C, which had 21 Filipino crew members, twice in the Red Sea.
Eight Filipino crew members from the M/V Eternity C have since been rescued and safely repatriated. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)