MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday said that the 17 Filipino seafarers who were still under the custody of the Houthi rebels were all safe following Israel's attack on the port of Hodeidah in Yemen.

The 17 Filipino sailors belong to the 25 crew members of MV Galaxy Leader—who include Bulgarians, Mexicans and Ukrainians —held captive by Houthi rebels who have been attacking ships plying the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

"I am gratified to inform the nation that none of our 17 seafarers currently in the custody of the Houthis were affected by the recent Israeli attack on the port of Hodeidah, Yemen. Our Embassy in Riyadh reports that they are all safe," Marcos said in a statement posted on hush social media.

"I wish to assure their loved ones in the Philippines that our government has not forsaken them and that we are doing everything to secure their safe return home," he added.

The President also reiterated his call for the "speedy resolution" of conflicts in the Middle East.

"The Philippines once again joins the community of nations in calling for a speedy resolution of the current conflicts in the Middle East region, to the end that no more lives may be lost and all can live in peace," he said.

The Israeli Defense Forces said it struck the port along the Red Sea in retaliation to the Houthi's attacks.

At least six people reportedly died from the air raids which happened a day after the Houthis killed at least one person.

The Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November in what they say is a campaign of solidarity with Palestinians during Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.

Read The Rest at :