Twenty-one Filipino seafarers who were rescued from a Houthi attack in the Red Sea are set to arrive in Manila this afternoon, according to Malacañang. The crew of MV Tutor was attacked by Houthi rebels on June 12, with one crew member still missing. The attack on the Greek-owned and Liberia-flagged freighter was the third incident involving Filipino seafarers in the past year. The Houthi rebels have been targeting ships in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden using drones and missiles, citing solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza war. President Marcos has ordered government agencies to ensure the safety of the seafarers, who were rescued by international forces and brought to Bahrain by the US Navy. Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain Anne Jalando-on Louis received the crew, who are expected to be accompanied back to Manila by DMW labor attaché Hector Cruz. OWWA and the DFA have been coordinating financial aid and support for the rescued seafarers, while also condemning the attack and calling on UN member states to protect seafarers’ rights. A US-led airstrike campaign against the Houthis has been ongoing since January, with a recent strike on May 30 resulting in casualties.
