Marcos: Govt to rescue distressed Filipino sailors
President Ferdinand R. Marcos. PCO Photo
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured Filipino seafarers aboard MV Tutor recently attacked by Houthi rebels that the government was doing everything to bring them safely to Djibouti in Africa and eventually back to the Philippines.
In a video message on Friday, the President said the government was working with the UK Maritime Trade Operations and other friendly nations to bring the affected Filipino sailors to safety.
"We're doing everything we can. We're coordinating with the UK Maritime Trade Operations so we can bring you to Djibouti," Marcos said in Filipino.
"From Djibouti, we're working on arrangements so you can return home," he added.
MV Tutor suffered missile and drone attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday, June 12.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) condemned the attack and said the Philippine government would take all necessary measures to secure the safety and well-being of the Filipino crew.
"The Philippine government will take all necessary measures to secure the safety and well-being of the Filipino crew on board and ensure justice," the DFA said.
"We call on all UN member states to protect the human rights of seafarers. We remain steadfast in ensuring the safety and welfare of all Filipino seafarers worldwide," it added.
The DFA has yet to provide a specific number of Filipinos on board the attacked ship.
After the MV Tutor incident, another vessel, MV Verbena, was attacked in the Gulf of Aden. However, the Philippine government has yet to confirm if there are Filipino crew on board.
The Houthis have been launching sea attacks over Israel's war on Gaza. It continues to hold the MV Galaxy Leader, a vessel it attacked at the Red Sea in March, which has 17 Filipino seafarers on board.