HOSTAGE RELEASE. The cargo ship MV Galaxy Leader in this undated photo. The Department of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday (Aug. 6, 2024) that there is no real progress yet in the appeal to release the seafarers of MV Galaxy Leader, held hostage by the Houthis in Yemen since November 2023. (Anadolu photo)
MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said there is “no real progress” in the appeal to release the seafarers of MV Galaxy Leader, nine months since they were seized by the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The statement was issued as the agency reported that the three sick Filipinos who were admitted to the hospital for malaria have already recovered.
“They have recovered and are on the ship or are being returned to the ship,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migration Eduardo Jose de Vega told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.
“No real progress on talks as the Houthis insist on their position that they will only release the seafarers if the Israelis end their hostilities in Gaza,” he added.
The Houthi hijacked the cargo vessel near Hodeidah in November 2023 and held hostage its 25 crewmembers, 17 of whom are Filipino nationals.
It was confirmed that the Sana’a government in Yemen provided medical assistance when the three Filipino crewmembers exhibited malaria symptoms.
Honorary Consul to Yemen Mohammad Saleh Al-Jamal sought the help of Sana’a authorities for the release of the three Filipinos, citing humanitarian reasons.
The Houthis previously said its attack was a retaliation for the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. (PNA)
