3 Ilonggo seafarers return home after Houthi attack

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Three Ilonggo seafarers have safely returned to Iloilo after surviving a deadly missile and grenade attack on their vessel, M/V Eternity C, by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea earlier this month.

The crew members—residents of Oton, San Miguel, and Iloilo City—arrived at Iloilo International Airport on Sunday evening, July 20.

They were welcomed by representatives of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Region 6 (OWWA-6) and the Iloilo Provincial Public Employment and Services Office.

The seafarers were first reunited with their families upon arrival in Manila on July 16, before returning to their respective hometowns in Iloilo.

James Mendiola, officer-in-charge of OWWA-6, told Daily Guardian that four Western Visayas residents were aboard the ill-fated vessel.

One, also from San Miguel, opted to stay in Manila temporarily and is expected to return home within the week.

“We plan to provide counseling to our seafarers,” Mendiola said.

“We thank their manning agency that assisted them since they arrived in the country.”

He added that the Department of Health will spearhead psychological intervention efforts to help the survivors cope with the trauma.

“This does not end our assistance to them,” he said.

“In the coming weeks, we will offer more support and programs.”

“We will continue to communicate with the families to provide further help,” Mendiola added.

He emphasized that the survivors remain visibly shaken by the brutal ordeal and require sustained support.

The three Ilonggos are among eight Filipino crew members of the Greek-managed M/V Eternity C who were repatriated to the Philippines on July 16.

The Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, with 22 crew members—21 of whom were Filipinos—was struck by missiles and rocket-propelled grenades launched by Houthi rebels on July 7 and 8, 2025, while traversing the Red Sea.

The vessel ultimately sank after sustained attacks, forcing the crew to abandon ship.

The repatriated crew were first brought to Saudi Arabia for medical and psychological evaluation before returning home.

Thirteen Filipino crew members remain missing.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with unverified reports suggesting some may be in Houthi custody.