Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers is working on verifying reports that Houthi forces may have kidnapped several crew members of MV Eternity C after attacking and sinking the vessel while traversing the Red Sea.

According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, in a Palace briefing on Thursday, stated that five Filipino crew members and an Indian armed guard, out of the 22 crew of MV Eternity C, have been rescued, while the rest remain missing. Cacdac emphasized the need for confirmation regarding the claims made by the Houthis and the United States about the crew's kidnapping.

The US Embassy in Yemen condemned the Houthi attack and called for the immediate release of the kidnapped seafarers in a statement posted on X. The embassy criticized the Houthis for their actions, which included attacking the ship with a drone boat and ballistic missiles, leading to its sinking.

Cacdac highlighted the collaborative efforts with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine defense attach© in Bahrain, and international maritime security partners to verify the situation and coordinate possible rescue missions. The focus is on rescuing the 16 missing Filipino seafarers and investigating reports of fatalities from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The Philippine government is scrutinizing the licensed manning agency (LMA) and the ship's principal, suspending them pending an investigation into their alleged breach of safety protocols. The investigation revealed that MV Eternity C crossed the Red Sea twice, violating DMW regulations and endangering the crew.

Cacdac mentioned that legal actions against the LMA and shipowner are being considered. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has mandated comprehensive support for the families of the missing crew, including financial aid, medical assistance, and psychosocial support.