Seven Filipino crew members detained by Houthi forces aboard a seized vessel were released on January 23, bringing an end to weeks of diplomatic negotiations. The vessel, identified as the UAE-flagged RWABEE, was taken by Houthi rebels off the Yemeni coast in December 2024, allegedly for carrying military equipment—a claim denied by its operators.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo confirmed the release, crediting the joint efforts of the International Maritime Organization and Gulf nations.
“We are relieved that our seafarers are now safe and will soon be reunited with their families,” Manalo said in a statement. The crew is set to return to the Philippines after undergoing debriefing and health checks.
The detention of the RWABEE sparked international criticism, with many calling it a violation of maritime law. Yemeni officials had repeatedly urged the Houthis to release the vessel, arguing that its capture exacerbated tensions in the region.
The Philippine government also expressed concern over the safety of its citizens working in high-risk areas, urging Filipino seafarers to remain cautious. Analysts note that this incident highlights the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by foreign crew members in conflict zones.
The release of the Filipino sailors is seen as a rare diplomatic success, particularly amid heightened instability in Yemen’s Red Sea region. The Philippines has pledged continued support for the safety of its overseas workers, many of whom face similar risks in volatile territories.
