DFA condoles with kin of 2 Filipinos killed in missile attack in Yemen

In this image obtained from the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on March 6, 2024 shows the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier after it was hit by anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The United States on March 6 vowed to hold Yemen’s Huthi rebels accountable for a strike on a bulk carrier that killed two people, apparently the first fatalities in the insurgents’ attacks on shipping. “We will continue to hold them accountable. We call on governments around the world to do the same,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters. (Photo by handout / US Central Command (CENTCOM) / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) sent its condolences on Thursday to the families of two Filipino crew members who were killed in a missile strike by the Houthi rebel group in Yemen.

The two were on board the civilian bulk carrier vessel True Confidence, which was sailing in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the two (2) Filipino crew members of the civilian bulk carrier True Confidence, which was the subject of a missile attack from Houthi rebels in Yemen,” the DFA said.

Aside from the two, there were 14 other Filipinos in the vessel.

Three of them suffered serious injuries and are being treated in Djibouti.

The DFA added it will send a team to Djibouti to assist the Filipino seafarers.

It also expressed hope that conflicts will eventually be resolved.

“The Philippine Government remains committed to achieving a long-lasting resolution to the conflict,” it added.