WATCH: 9 Filipino crew of MV Eternity C captured by Houthis

The Department of Migrant Workers says the seafarers are in good physical condition, and that the Philippine government is working towards their safe return

MANILA, Philippines – Yemeni Houthi rebels have taken into their captivity at least nine Filipino seafarers who worked aboard the MV Eternity C, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Tuesday, July 29.

The DMW says the Philippine government is working towards their safe return.

There were 21 Filipino seafarers aboard Eternity C, which the Houthis attacked on July 8. Eight of them were rescued and repatriated earlier this month. The surviving eight told the DMW that there were at least three fatalities and one missing from their crew, but DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said that this was still subject to confirmation, since their remains had yet to be recovered.

The Iran-backed Houthis released a six-minute video showing 10 Eternity C crew they “rescued” — the remaining one being another foreign national. Cacdac said that this video “confirmed” prior information they already had, which was that the captured seafarers informed their families that they were in good physical condition.

Cacdac deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs on their exact location. – Rappler.com