MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs urged Filipino seafarers on Friday to avoid the Red Sea route after a Houthi attack in the area affecting 23 Filipino sailors.
In an advisory, the DFA said that Filipino seafarers should “exercise prudent choice” since danger remains in the area.
“This situation has worsened due in part to the conflict escalation in the Red Sea that poses a clear and present danger to all Filipino seafarers working in the area,” DFA told reporters.
On Thursday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that 23 Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea have been rescued from a drifting tanker after three missiles launched by Houthi rebels hit the ship on Wednesday.
According to DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, the ship sustained engine damage from three missile strikes, resulting in some water intake, but it did not sink. However, the tanker is currently drifting.
DMW said that it will repatriate the rescued seafarers once they are safe.
“Philippine nationals should avoid the area altogether unless absolutely necessary for their livelihood,” DFA said.
In November 2023, 17 Filipino crew members were among those taken hostage by these rebels during the first of several attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
Houthi rebels began attacking ships in the Red Sea to show support for Palestinians in Gaza, who have been under Israeli attack since October 2023.
