Manila, Philippines – Nine Filipino crew members of the Dutch-Flagged Cargo Vessel M/V Eternity C, which was captured by Houthi groups in the Red Sea in July, will be released.
According to the confirmation of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), they received information from the authorities of the Sultanate of Oman that nine Filipinos will be released and transferred to Sana’a Yemen, to Muscat, Oman.
The release of the captive Filipinos, is the result of Oman’s efforts in collaboration with Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.
Lazaro and his counterpart, Foreign Minister Sayed Badr bin Hama El-Busaidi, discussed the issue during a bilateral meeting in July and another consultation happened via phone call in November.
The Philippine Embassy in Muscat and the Migrant Workers Office are coordinating for the safe and prompt repatriation of the Filipino seafarers to the country.
The Philippines thanked the Sultanate of Oman for its assistance in the release of Filipinos held captive by the Houthis for almost five months.
Lazaro earlier said during a visit by Palestinian Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin that they are continuing to coordinate with mediators and ensure the immediate release of the Filipinos.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News