00:06This was the fate of MV Eternity C struck by Houthi forces while crossing the Red Sea.
00:11On board were 21 Filipino crew members.
00:14According to the Department of Migrant Workers, or DMW, the ship entered the Red Sea twice
00:19in direct violation of a standing department order directing ship owners and manning agencies
00:24to avoid the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden due to escalating security risks.
00:29The Red Sea has been classified a high-risk zone amid a wave of rebel attacks on commercial vessels.
00:35Prior to boarding any Filipino seafarer to any ship that will traverse the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden,
00:45meron pang kailangan isubmit a risk assessment.
00:48Meron pang requirement ng armed guard at maritime security escort.
00:54And our initial investigation reveals that these were all not observed.
01:01The DMW confirms that MV Eternity C sailed from Egypt to Somalia through the Red Sea,
01:06and again through the same route on its return to Jeddah.
01:09Both the ship owner and manning agency have been suspended with an investigation now underway.
01:14Administrative and criminal charges may be filed.
01:17Search and rescue operations continue.
01:20So far, eight crew members have been rescued, 13 remain missing.
01:24Authorities are verifying reports that the Houthi group is holding them.
01:28There are also unconfirmed reports that three crew members may have died.
01:32President Ferdinand R. Marcus Jr. has ordered all agencies to extend complete support to the rescued seafarers and to the families of the missing.
01:42President Ferdinand R. Marcus Jr.
01:58The government is now providing medical, legal and financial assistance.
02:01Meanwhile, crew members of MV Magic C, also attacked by rebels, are expected to return to the Philippines tomorrow.
02:08This is Sharm Zespina from the national TV network for a new and better Philippines.
