Manila: The Philippine government is exhausting all efforts to secure the release of nine Filipino crew members of the ill-fated MV Eternity C currently held captive by the Houthis, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega stated that "all indications" are pointing to their location being in Sanaa, inland Yemen, "at hands of Houthis."

According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA has been assured by the Honorary Consul in Yemen that the captives are well. Efforts are ongoing to secure their release with the assistance of friendly governments. The vessel was carrying 22 crew members, 21 of whom are Filipinos, when it was attacked by drones and rocket-propelled grenades launched by Iran-backed Houthi militants off the coast of Yemen. On July 16, eight of the Filipino crew were successfully repatriated to the Philippines.

Earlier this year, the Houthis released 17 Filipino seafarers from another ship, the MV Galaxy Leader, after holding them hostage for at least 14 months. The release was facilitated by successful mediation efforts by the government of Oman following a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, which was a condition required by the Houthi captors of the Galaxy Leader crew at that time.