MANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that nine Filipino crew members of the MV Eternity C are currently in the custody of Houthi forces, while three others were reported dead and one remains missing.

“We want to clarify the current figures: there are three (3) reported fatalities—not four, as earlier speculated—and one is still missing. This brings the total accounted to 12. The remaining nine (9) seafarers have been confirmed to be in the custody of Houthi forces, based on our coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA),” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.

Cacdac added that eight other Filipino seafarers have already been repatriated and reunited with their families in the Philippines. They have received assistance and reintegration support from the government.

“Our monitoring efforts continue, and our support to the families is sustained. The safety and repatriation of all our seafarers remain our top priority,” he said.

The DMW said it remains in close coordination with the DFA to ensure the well-being and eventual safe return of the nine Filipinos still held by the Houthi group, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive that “no Filipino is left behind.”

Since the incident, the DMW has maintained constant communication with the affected families, offering regular updates, psychosocial support, and help in accessing government services.

The department also reiterated its commitment to “handhold” the families through the crisis as the government continues efforts to resolve the situation.