Negotiations for release of 17 Filipinos seafarers still ongoing — DFA

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16) — Diplomatic negotiations for the release of the 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage since November are still ongoing, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

The crew members were aboard a Galaxy Leader Ship when a group of Houthi rebels hijacked the vessel off the coast of Yemen.

READ: 17 Pinoy seafarers among crew taken hostage by Houthi rebels in Red Sea

«They are safe,» DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega told reporters. «As for the talks, it is still ongoing with friendly countries.»

The DFA official said Oman, Qatar, and Japan are also helping the negotiations for the release of the seafarers.

«Nabisita na sila ng ating Yemeni honorary consul nakausap na niya mga Houthis so tinitignan natin kailan talaga sila palalayain,» De Vega added, saying they can't give definite time as to when the seafarers will be released.

[Translation: Our Yemeni honorary consul already visited them and spoke with the Houthis, we are waiting for their decision on when they will free them.]

He also emphasized that the fate of the 17 seafarers rests with the Yemeni group Houthis and not with the militant group Hamas.

«Kasi dati sabi maaring kailangan pang Hamas ngayon talagang Houthis na magdedecide kung kailan sila pakakawalan,» De Vega said.

[Translation: Before they told us that militant group Hamas will have to decide on their release but now, we were told that it will be the Houthis.]

The Houthis are reported to be part of the so-called «axis of resistance» led by Iran, which has been mobilized to oppose Israel, especially amid the war in the Middle East.