Romualdez vows aid for kin of seafarers killed in Houthi attack

RED SEA TARGET An aerial view of the Barbados-flagged ship True Confidence ablaze following a Houthi missile attack in the Red Sea on March 6, 2024. The commercial vessel had 15 Filipinos among its crewmen. —REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Sunday committed to provide assistance to the bereaved families of the two Filipino seafarers who were killed in a missile attack by Houthi rebels on March 6.

In a statement, Romualdez said that he extends his deepest sympathies to the seafarers’ kin, and assured them of continued support in light of the tragedy.

“We are committed to providing them with all the necessary assistance and ensuring that their loved ones’ sacrifices are honored and remembered,” he said.

READ: 2 Filipino sailors killed, 2 severely hurt in Houthi missile attack 

“As we move forward from this incident, let us reaffirm our commitment to the welfare and safety of all our overseas Filipino workers. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect their rights, promote their well-being, and ensure that they are provided with the support and protection they deserve, wherever they may be in the world,” he added.

The two sailors were part of the crew of the commercial ship, True Confidence, and were the first fatalities reported since the Houthi group began attacking ships plying the Red Sea in November.

Following the attack, the Department of Migrant Workers also said it would extend full support to the families of the seafarers killed or injured in the incident.

READ: DMW: 10 Filipino crewmen in Yemen missile attack safe, 3 wounded  

Apart from the two fatalities, three other Filipinos were injured in the Iran-aligned Yemeni group’s latest attack while 10 other Filipino crew members were reported by the DMW to be safe and accounted for.

“To our brave seafarers, your safety is of utmost importance to us. We are deeply relieved that you are out of harm’s way and are now secure. The courage and strength you have shown in the face of danger are truly admirable, and you embody the resilient spirit of the Filipino people,” Romualdez said of the attack’s survivors.

Meanwhile, 17 more Filipinos from the ship, Galaxy Leader, are still held hostage by the Houthis since November.

In a previous message to INQUIRER.net, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said that the Philippine government is coordinating with diplomats from states surrounding the Red Sea to ensure the seafarers’ safety.