San juan city: Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Wednesday said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is in ongoing discussions with ship owners as tensions rise anew in the Red Sea due to fresh threats from Yemen's Houthi rebels. Speaking on the sidelines of a post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) forum in San Juan City, Lazaro said the safety of Filipino seafarers navigating the region remains a key concern.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro stated that discussions are taking place with ship owners about the safety of seafarers traversing the dangerous parts of the region. Lazaro emphasized that while the situation falls under the purview of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the DFA is coordinating efforts to address these concerns.

The Houthis recently announced their decision to escalate military support operations and implement the fourth phase of a naval blockade against Israel. They urged all countries to pressure Israel to end its aggression and lift the siege on the Gaza Strip to avoid further escalation.

In addition to ensuring the safety of seafarers, Lazaro highlighted that the DFA is focused on securing the release of Filipino sailors held by the Houthis. The DFA confirmed that nine Filipino crew members of the MV Eternity C are held captive. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega indicated that all signs suggest these individuals are in Sanaa, inland Yemen, under the control of the Houthis.