President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reassured the public that the government will “exhaust all remedies available” to secure the release of the 17 Filipino seafarers currently held hostage by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. In a video message uploaded on the Presidential Communications Office’s official Facebook page late Thursday, the President stated that the government is in the process of forming a delegation to negotiate with the Houthi rebels.
“There are urgent matters that require immediate attention, and one of them is the situation involving our compatriots, our fellow Filipinos, who have been taken hostage. We are exerting all efforts to bring them home,” Marcos said.
Highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety of the country’s citizens, Marcos emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the situation. “That’s why we are forming a delegation to engage in talks with those who are holding our fellow Filipinos captive, with the ultimate goal of securing their safe return. I am confident that you understand the significance of prioritizing the security of our countrymen,” he added.
Due to the urgency of the hostage situation, Marcos canceled his scheduled attendance at the Conference of Parties for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Instead, he opted to facilitate a meeting regarding the 17 Filipino seafarers.
In the same video message, the President expressed his apologies to the Filipino community in the UAE for the cancellation of his trip to Dubai. He acknowledged the significance of meeting overseas Filipinos, stating that such engagements had been the “happiest” experiences during his previous foreign trips.
“I feel deeply saddened that I will not be able to join you at this time. However, I promise you that if another opportunity arises, we will make it a priority to meet again, and I will make it up to you,” Marcos assured the Filipino community.
The Houthi rebels, who are allied with Iran, have recently launched missile and drone attacks against Israel in solidarity with Hamas militants fighting in the Gaza Strip. Israel has reported that the Houthis seized a British-owned and Japanese-operated cargo ship in the southern Red Sea, describing the incident as an “Iranian act of terrorism” with significant implications for international maritime security.
President Marcos Jr.’s commitment to securing the release of the Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels is a testament to the government’s dedication to protecting its citizens. The formation of a delegation to engage in negotiations demonstrates a proactive approach to resolving the situation and ensuring the safe return of the hostages.
As the international community closely monitors the developments in the Red Sea, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the well-being and security of the innocent individuals caught in the crossfire. The President’s decision to prioritize the hostage situation over his attendance at an important international conference underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s commitment to its citizens.
Efforts to secure the release of the Filipino seafarers are not only a matter of national importance but also an international concern. The Houthi rebels’ actions, including the seizure of a cargo ship, have raised alarm bells regarding maritime security and the potential consequences of their alliance with Iran.
The international community must stand united in condemning acts of terrorism and ensuring the safe return of the hostages. The Philippines, along with its allies and partners, will continue to work tirelessly to resolve the situation and bring an end to the suffering of the 17 Filipino seafarers held captive in the Red Sea.
Source: The Manila Times
