Philippines seafarers held by Houthi rebels stricken with malaria

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is seeking the release of Filipino seafarers being held hostage by Houthi rebels for “humanitarian reasons,” as they exhibit symptoms of malaria, Malacañang said yesterday.

Citing a July 30 letter of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to President Marcos, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said several Filipino crew members of the MV Galaxy Leader “were experiencing significant health issues as they show malaria symptoms.”

According to the PCO, Honorary Consul to Yemen Mohammad Saleh Al-Jamal sought the assistance of Sana’a authorities for the release of the Filipino crew members, citing humanitarian reasons because of their declining health condition.

Sana’a, whose authorities control the Houthis, is the capital and the largest city of Yemen.

“In response, Sana’a authorities affirmed the provision of assistance by informing concerned officials in the Sana’a government and by sending specialized doctors to the vessel to carry out necessary medical procedures,” the DFA told the President.

“However, with regard to the release of the Filipino crew members, the Sana’a government responded that the case depends on external decisions; hence, negotiations and discussions are plausible for their fate and possible release,” the DFA said.

“The Sana’a government will discuss the issue and the case with the specialists and the Presidency of the Yemeni Republic under the Houthi government,” it said.

The Office of the Undersecretary for Migration Affairs of the DFA is awaiting Al-Jamal’s report on the follow-up meeting between Ambassador Ahmed Omar, head of the Yemeni Consular Department, and representatives of the Yemeni Foreign Ministry in Sana’a, the DFA said.

Last Saturday, Marcos expressed relief as he announced that none of the 17 Filipino seafarers under the custody of Houthis were affected by the recent Israeli attack on the port of Hodeidah, Yemen.

The President has assured families of the seafarers that the government has been doing everything for their safe return to the country.