MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos administration is facilitating the safe return of 17 Filipino seafarers who were rescued from the Greek-owned bulk carrier MV Magic Seas following a Houthi rebel attack off the coast of Yemen on July 6.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Tuesday that the Filipino crew members are currently staying in a hotel in Djibouti while awaiting their flight back to the Philippines.

Citing information from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Castro confirmed that all 17 Filipino seafarers are safe after the attack near Hodeidah, Yemen.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Castro said the seafarers were rescued and transferred to the container vessel Safeen Prism following a firefight between the MV Magic Seas’ security team and the attackers.

The Houthi rebels reportedly launched a coordinated assault involving drones, missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire, forcing the 22-member crew to abandon ship.

“Sa pinakabagong report ng DMW, nakikipag-ugnayan ito sa agency ng mga tripulante para sa kanilang agarang repatriation,” Castro said.

“Tiniyak ng DMW na nakatutok ang ahensya sa sitwasyon ng mga tripulanteng Pilipino mula sa kanilang pagka-rescue at pagbalik sa bansa,” she added.