17 Pinoy seafarers kept by Houthi rebels safe – DMW
By Nidz Godino
"We know that 17 seafarers have contacted and were allowed to contact their families and they are safe on board ship," Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac said all 17 Filipino seafarers taken hostage by Houthi rebels in Yemen are safe and have contacted their families.
Cacdac said DMW is regularly coordinating with families of seafarers.
Latest information received by DMW indicated vessel is still anchored off coast of Yemen.
Cacdac said Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is working with other governments for safe release and return of seafarers.
The 17 were among 25 crewmembers of cargo vessel Galaxy Leader, which was seized by rebels following helicopter-borne attack in southern Red Sea on Nov. 19.
Cacdac said DMW welcomes recent designation of Red Sea's southern section and Bab El-Mandeb Strait leading to Gulf of Aden as high-risk areas.
He said expansion of identified high-risk areas in Red Sea would provide additional protection to Filipino seafarers.
Meanwhile, Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong will receive salary increase next year, DMW reported.
All foreign domestic helpers (FDH), including Filipinos in former British colony, will benefit from wage legislation set by Hong Kong's labor department.
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