The Philippines says it will ask “friendly countries” to help secure the release of nine Filipino sailors being held by Yemen’s Houthis.
The statement comes a day after the Iran-backed rebels released footage on Monday of crew members missing after attacks on the Eternity C and Magic Seas cargo ships, claiming in an accompanying statement to have “rescued” the mariners. The European Union’s Operation Aspides naval task force has told AFP that 15 of the 25 people onboard the Eternity C were missing — with four presumed dead.
Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega confirms the Houthis are holding nine Filipino seafarers.
“I do not want to use the term hostage. At least we know they are alive,” he tells AFP.
“We’re not going to talk directly with the Houthis. We’re going to seek help from friendly countries,” he adds.
Last week, Human Rights Watch said the rebels were unlawfully detaining the crew and that their attacks on shipping amounted to war crimes. The United States has accused the Houthis of kidnapping.
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