The Marcos administration is committed to doing everything possible to help ensure the safety of all 21 Filipino crew members of the MV Eternity C in Yemen, as search and rescue efforts continue for the 16 who remain missing.

“Ang number one directive ng Pangulo sa DMW ay gawin ang lahat para mabigyan ng tulong, proteksyon. ‘Take care of the families,’ ang sabi ng ating Pangulo,” Department of Migrant Workers Secretary (DMW) Hans Leo Cacdac said in a Palace press briefing.

“At this stage, iyong safety and kanilang pag-rescue would be first and foremost,” Cacdac added.

The bulk carrier MV Eternity C, manned by a crew of 21 Filipinos and one Russian, was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on July 8 while en route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The vessel’s captain is also a Filipino.

The attack caused the vessel to sink after sustaining severe damage to its engine room and bridge.

Cacdac said the rescue team found five crew members alive while 16 remain unaccounted for.

Citing reports, Cacdac said the Houthis claimed to have taken custody of “several” crew members of the MV Eternity C, while the United States has strongly condemned the act, describing it as a kidnapping.

“But in either case, we are still yet to confirm for ourselves whether indeed the Houthis have the rest of the crew. So, this is something that is yet subject to confirmation,” Cacdac said, adding that the DMW is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The DMW chief also stated that the government will provide all necessary assistance, including financial, humanitarian, medical, and psychosocial counseling, to the affected seafarers. | PND