(UPDATES) THE Sana’a government in Yemen has been providing medical care to Filipino crew members of MV Galaxy Leader exhibiting symptoms of malaria, Malacañang said on Friday.
The 17 Filipino sailors were part of the 25-man crew of MV Galaxy Leader, held captive by Houthi rebels who have been attacking ships plying the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
In a memorandum addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dated July 30, Honorary Consul to Yemen Mohammad Saleh Al-Jamal confirmed that several Filipino crew members were manifesting malaria symptoms.
Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil
Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Al-Jamal requested Sana’a authorities to release the Filipino seamen for humanitarian reasons.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that “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.”
“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,” it added.
The DFA said Sana’a government would discuss the issue with specialists and the presidency of the Yemeni Republic.
Sana’a, whose authorities control the Houthis, is the capital and the largest city of Yemen.
On Saturday, Marcos said none of the 17 Filipino seafarers under the custody of Houthis were affected by the recent Israeli attack on the port of Hodeidah in Yemen.
“I wish to assure their loved ones in the Philippines that our government has not forsaken them and that we are doing everything to secure their safe return home,” the President said.
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