KAKAMMPI News

Tens killed, thousands injured • Iranian envoy wounded • Hezb vows revenge as Zionists expand war BEIRUT: Hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon Tuesday, killing at least eight people and wounding Tehran’s ambassador in Beirut in blasts the Iran-backed militant group blamed on the Zionist entity. Pagers also exploded in Syria, killing at least seven people. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was not harmed in the spree of pager blasts, a senior Hezbollah source told Reuters on Tuesday. There was no immediate comment from the Zionist military on the blasts, which came just hours after the Zionist entity announced it was broadening the aims of the war in Gaza to include its fight against Hezbollah along its border with Lebanon. Among the dead were the son of a Hezbollah lawmaker and the 10-year-old daughter of a member of the group. The girl was killed when her father’s pager exploded as she was standing beside him, her family and a source close to Hezbolla

Amir hails efforts of Kuwaiti scientists, calls for scientific research KUWAIT: Under the patronage and in the presence of HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a ceremony was held at Bayan Palace on Wednesday to launch a national space science center. HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and senior state officials attended the event. HH the Amir arrived at the venue and was warmly welcomed by Director General of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) Dr Ameenah Rajab Farhan and board members. HH the Amir was apprised of Kuwaiti satellite images and listened to a detailed explanation from the Director of the National Satellite Project Dr Hala Al-Jassar. Addressing the event, HH the Amir commended the efforts of Kuwaiti creative and distinguished researchers in serving their country. He underlined that supporting scientific research is the key to advancement

BEIRUT: A second wave of device explosions killed nine people and wounded more than 300 in Hezbollah strongholds of Lebanon on Wednesday, officials said, stoking fears of an all-out war in the region. A source close to Hezbollah said walkie-talkies used by its members blew up in its Beirut stronghold, with state media reporting similar blasts in south and east Lebanon. AFPTV footage showed people running for cover when an explosion went off during a funeral for Hezbollah militants in south Beirut in the afternoon. Nine people were killed and more than 100 wounded in the latest attacks, the health ministry said, also describing the devices targeted as walkie-talkies. It came a day after the simultaneous explosion of hundreds of paging devices used by Hezbollah killed 12 people, including two children, and wounded up to 2,800 others across Lebanon, in an unprecedented attack blamed on the Zionist entity. There was no comment from the Zionist entity, which only hours before Tuesday’s at

Blinken makes 10th trip to the region since the start of the war Cairo: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday in Cairo that a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza would be the best way to stop violence from spreading in the Middle East. This marks Blinken’s 10th trip to the region since the start of the war that was sparked by Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. His visit aimed to salvage stalled negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to end the conflict. No other regional stops, including Israel, were on his itinerary. “We discussed the importance of getting this deal across the finish line, something we’ll continue to pursue with our Qatari counterparts,” Blinken told journalists in a joint press conference alongside Egyptian Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. “We all know that a ceasefire is the best chance to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, to address risks to regional stability,” he added. Following the meeting

We are at the start of a new phase in the war, says Israeli defence minister Gallant Jerusalem: The defence minister of Israel, which has been fighting Hamas in Gaza for nearly a year, said on Wednesday the war's "centre of gravity" was moving north, where Israel has clashed daily with Lebanon's Hezbollah. "The centre of gravity is moving northward - resources are being allocated," Yoav Gallant said during a visit to an Israeli air base. "We are at the start of a new phase in the war - it requires courage, determination and perseverance on our part," he said, according to a statement issued by his office. Gallant said the military had not "forgotten" its goals in Gaza. "We have not forgotten the hostages and we have not forgotten our missions in the south," he said, adding that it was now time to ensure that those displaced from the north would be able to return to their homes. "Operations are carried out by a

Group to host recruitment events on September 20-21 to hire over 100 real estate agents Metropolitan Group, a leading real estate firm in the UAE, has launched a recruitment campaign to attract more than 100 talented agents across its various brands, including Metropolitan Premium Properties, Metropolitan Homes, Penthouse.ae and Metropolitan Capital Real Estate in Abu Dhabi to support the group’s growth and expansion across the UAE. The recruitment campaign underscores Metropolitan Group’s commitment to identifying top agents and developing future team leaders in the industry, while solidifying its position as a top employer of choice in the UAE. The group was recently recognised as a top workplace in Asia by Great Place to Work. The company was ranked 17th Best Large Workplaces in Asia 2024 and 6th in the Large Business category in the Best Workplaces in the Middle East 2024. Additionally, earlier this year, it was ranked the third Best Workplace in the UAE in the Large Business c

TORONTO, Canada - Canada is further reducing the number of study permits it will grant to foreign students and tightening eligibility for work permits in a bid to cut down on the number of temporary residents in the country, the government said on Wednesday. The announcement comes as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government, trailing in the public opinion polls and coming off a major by-election loss this week, seeks to reduce the number of temporary residents - including international students and foreign workers - in the country. The issue has become one of the most contentious in Canadian politics with a federal election due no later than October, 2025. The changes announced on Wednesday would reduce the number of international study permits issued to 437,000 in 2025. Canada approved 509,390 in 2023, according to immigration department data, and 175,920 in the first seven months of 2024. The changes would also limit work permit eligibility for spouses of some stude

A Filipino cruise ship employee was sentenced to 30 years in prison by a court in Florida for the crime of producing child pornography, according to the US Attorney's Office - Southern District of Florida. Arvin Joseph Mirasol, a stateroom attendant who serviced passenger cabins, was sentenced by US District Court Judge Melissa Damian after previously pleading guilty to producing child pornography. Mirasol's crime was discovered on February 25 after a guest aboard the cruise ship discovered a hidden camera affixed to the counter under the sink in the guest's bathroom. The guest reported the camera to ship security. Security officers of the ship detained Mirasol and turned him over to authorities when the ship docked at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on March 3. "Once the ship docked, on March 3, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel boarded the ship and began their investigation," the US Attorney's

Overseas Filipino workers who were repatriated by the Philippine government arrived from Kuwait and United Arab Emirates on Friday. According to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, 74 OFWs and eight minors who came from Kuwait were personally welcomed by OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The OFWs were given financial assistance as well as food and transportation assistance and hotel accommodation as needed. Meanwhile, 61 OFWs and two children comprising the first batch of OFWs who availed of the amnesty program of UAE arrived on Friday. They were given immediate financial assistance by the Department of Migrant Workers. "All of them will receive reintegration services and other forms of support from the government," the DMW said in a Facebook post. "The repatriation of the OFWs was through the joint efforts of the Philippine Embassy in UAE, DMW Migrant Workers Offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and OWWA,&q

LOS ANGELES, California - A former worker of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) led by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy called on other alleged victims to step forward and take advantage of the government’s offer of help. Arlene Stone, spokesperson for former KOJC members now residing in the US, made this appeal, emphasizing that now is the opportune time to leave the church and seek assistance. In a message to GMA Integrated News, Stone expressed confidence that the collapse of KOJC is imminent following Quiboloy's arrest. He is currently detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame in Quezon City facing multiple charges in Quezon City and Pasig Regional Trial Courts. “To all KOJC full-time workers, this is the perfect time to open your eyes and leave. Pastor Quiboloy and other leaders are now in jail. The foundation of your organization is collapsing,” Stone stated. Stone also disclosed that many alleged victims of Quiboloy remain inside KOJC, based

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) at the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) has recorded, in just the first 12 days of the UAE government’s ongoing two-month amnesty program, 146 cases of children who do not have birth certificates because they were born to unwed, overstaying mothers. “As of Sept. 12, we have 146 cases – 37 finished cases and 109 still ongoing,” Labor Attaché John Rio Bautista, MWO head, told GMA News Online. These were cases of children who do not have birth certificates because their parents were not married, he said. “They were born out of wedlock,” the labor attaché said. Officials said the figure may go up as the amnesty for overstayers still has more than a month and a half to go. Meanwhile, Bautista said 17 of the “finished cases” were funded by MWO. “The rest were for guidance only. ‘Finished cases’ meaning we have completed the necessary documentation. ‘Funded’ meaning MWO shouldered all expenses, including tickets for repa

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The first batch composed of 64 overstaying Filipinos were repatriated Thursday, the Philippine missions here said in a joint statement. The batch included one with kidney failure who had a dialysis a day before they flew and another who had been in hiding for almost six years. Alfonso A. Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, said 35 of the overstayers were from Abu Dhabi while the remaining 29 were from Dubai. He met with the repatriates from Abu Dhabi before they travelled to Dubai International Airport for their flight during which he expressed gratitude to the UAE government for waiving fines and penalties and for allowing Filipinos and other expatriates to leave the country with dignity and the option to re-enter UAE in the future with appropriate visa. The Filipino repatriates in return were grateful for the opportunity to finally return home to the Philippines without paying any fines and penalties. One specific repatriate, who is suffering f

Alcoa must retain its Maaden shares for at least three years Dubai: Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) acquires a 25.1 per cent stake from Alcoa, a US aluminium producer, in their joint venture for $1.1 billion (Dh4 billion). The deal includes 86 million Maaden shares, valued at $950 million (Dh3.4 billion), along with $150 million (Dh550 million) in cash. The joint venture, established in 2009, operates as a fully integrated mining complex in Saudi Arabia. It consists of two entities, Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company, which manages a bauxite mine and alumina refinery, and Maaden Aluminium Company, which operates an aluminium smelter and casthouse, according to Arabian Gulf Business Insights. As of June 30, 2024, Alcoa’s investment in the joint venture was valued at $545 million (Dh2 billion). Alcoa must retain its Maaden shares for at least three years. After this period, one-third of the shares can be transferred each year in the third, fourth, and fifth years following

Duelling campaigns set to march on with little interruption Washington: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on Monday head into a newly intense phase of the US presidential campaign, with tensions heightened after a second apparent assassination attempt against the Republican former president. The Sunday arrest of a gunman on Donald Trump’s golf course came the same day as more bomb threats poured into Springfield, Ohio, a small Midwestern city at the centre of Republican-led conspiracies against immigrants. But the duelling campaigns are set to march on with little interruption, a day after the Secret Service confirmed one or more of its agents “opened fire on a gunman” located near the boundary of Trump’s Florida golf course, and that an “AK-47 style rifle” with a scope was recovered along with a GoPro video camera. The FBI said it was “investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump.” US media named the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, who ha

Police arrested a gunman who fled after what appeared to be a second assassination attemptWest Palm Beach: Police on Sunday arrested a gunman who had fled after what appeared to be a second assassination attempt on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, with shots fired at his Florida golf course. Here are five things to know about the attempted attack on the former US president. What happened? At approximately 1:30 pm local time (1730 GMT) on Sunday, a US Secret Service agent noticed the barrel of a rifle pointing out of shrubbery on the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach. Agents, who were deployed in a moving security bubble extending about one or two holes ahead of the former president, "engaged" an individual, the US Secret Service's Rafael Barros said, with the suspect fleeing the scene. Trump was unharmed. Former president Trump was "between 300 and 500 yards" (270-450 meters) away when the incident occurred, Sheriff Ric Brad

Process aimed to offset shortage in domestic labour Cairo: Around 55,000 domestic workers have joined the private sector in Kuwait, capitalising on a two-month transfer allowed by authorities there to offset a shortage in house help. Earlier this year, the Kuwaiti Interior Ministry and the Public Authority of Manpower announced a grace period, allowing domestic workers to transfer from Visa 20 (domestic sector) to Visa 18 (private sector). The transfer opened on July 14 and ended on September 12.

Kingdom warns those aiding illegal immigration activities could face severe penalties Dubai: A total of 22,373 individuals have been arrested in Saudi Arabia during a week of intensive inspection raids, the Ministry of Interior announced. The enforcement actions, carried out from September 5 to September 11, were part of a comprehensive security campaign involving various government agencies.

Recent news on the BRP Teresa Magbanua highlights its return to Palawan after being deployed for several months at Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The ship, a key asset of the Philippine Coast Guard, had been on a critical mission in a region marked by heightened tensions due to foreign encroachment. During its deployment, the vessel and its crew endured difficult conditions, including encirclement by foreign ships and harsh weather, while maintaining sentinel duties. The BRP Teresa Magbanua's return marks the completion of its mission, allowing the crew to undergo medical checks, repairs to the ship, and a well-deserved break before resuming their duties. This operation has been lauded for the dedication of the crew in upholding the sovereignty of the Philippines. The vessel's repositioning also comes at a time when patrols and surveillance operations continue in the area amid ongoing discussions between the Philippines and China about managing tensions in the West

I have used the term "overstayers" to include both workers who have overstayed their visas for various reasons and visit visa travellers who have also overstayed for various reasons. I hope that the amnesty covers both of these groups. The common definition of illegal status is when a person does not have a valid residency visa, is living on an expired residency visa, or is living and working in the country on an overstayed visa. Needless to say, a good number of travellers on visit visas are also job seekers who are either traveling on a friend’s advice, a subagent’s advice, or an employer’s advice. Because the visit visa has other motives, travellers seeking employment through this pathway could fall into human trafficking schemes operated in the recruitment industry. In the Middle East, the general practice is that if a person is found to have violated visa laws, they must pay the stipulated fine and leave the country. However, if a worker is found to have overstayed the

Ukraine emergency services said at least 55 people had been confirmed dead and 328 injured after they completed their search and rescue operation at a military educational institute in the Ukrainian town of Poltava that was hit by a Russian missile on Tuesday. Belgorod Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said one civilian was killed in Ukrainian shelling on the town of Shebekino in the southern border region. Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 60 out of 78 drones launched by Russia in an overnight attack. It added that Russia also used one ballistic Iskander-M missile in the bombardment. Ukraine’s top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskii, told the CNN news channel that Kyiv’s incursion into Russia’s southern Kursk region was working and that there had been no Russian advances on a key sector of the eastern front for six days. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the incursion had failed to slow Russia’s advance in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. Putin said the

Local Palestinian media is reporting that Israeli forces have ended their siege of Jenin city and its refugee camp. The Wafa news agency reported earlier that Israeli soldiers had pulled out from the vicinity of the Jenin Governmental Hospital and the city’s Ibn Sina Hospital where they had been stationed since the large-scale incursion of the occupied West Bank began on August 28. Local sources in Jenin have told Palestinian media that the Israelis have withdrawn completely, posting photos on social media of the destruction left after the nine-day siege of the city and refugee camp. The military raid constitutes Israel’s largest assault on the occupied territory since the second Intifada in the early 2000s with at least 39 Palestinians killed and wounded 130 so far. 36m ago (01:45 GMT) Palestinians killed in overnight Israeli strikes on Gaza City, Rafah, central refugee camps Along with the two recent early morning Israeli attacks in Gaza City that have killed at least nine pe

MANILA, Philippines — The United States has reaffirmed its "ironclad" commitment to defending the Philippines after China's latest effort to assert its naval presence in the South China Sea, which encompasses the West Philippine Sea. In a phone call on Thursday, September 5, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin III discussed the "historic momentum in U.S.-Philippine defense ties" following the "productive" 2+2 ministerial dialogue between both countries in July. Austin reiterated Washington's commitment to its oldest treaty ally in the region amid "dangerous and escalatory actions" by China against "lawful Philippine maritime operations in the South China Sea," according to a readout by the US Department of Defense. "Both officials discussed the importance of preserving the rights of all nations to fly, sail, and operate — safely and responsibly — wherever international law allows,&quo

MANILA, Philippines — Former broadcaster Cesar Chavez is the new secretary of the Presidential Communications Office, with former PCO secretary Cheloy Garafil appointed by President Marcos as the new chief of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO). In an interview with reporters yesterday, Chavez confirmed that Garafil would be appointed as chief of MECO, the duly designated instrumentality to promote and protect the Philippines’ interests in Taiwan. Chavez said he took his oath as PCO secretary before Marcos yesterday, but Garafil has yet to do the same because MECO has a board that elects its officials. In a text message to The STAR, former labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III confirmed that he was “replaced” as MECO chief. In its website, MECO said its mandate is to serve as a link between the people of the Philippines and Taiwan. It has been authorized to perform functions usually carried out by Philippine foreign missions but of a non-political, non-security nature and

MANILA, Philippines — There is no official request from Indonesia for swapping Alice Guo with an Australian drug kingpin and long-time fugitive from Jakarta who was arrested in Cebu last May, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said yesterday. DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said an official communication regarding the matter would have to go through the Department of Foreign Affairs. DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo told The STAR last night that he is “not aware” of any such request. Manalo, however, thanked Indonesia through its ambassador in Manila for the assistance in the arrest of Guo. Manalo, who attended Indonesia’s 79th National Day celebration at the Dusit Thani, said he ordered the Philippine embassy in Jakarta to assist the Philippine officials who flew to Indonesia to pick up Guo. Clavano said it was only from Indonesian media where the DFA learned of a purported request from Jakarta to trade Guo, a dismissed Tarlac town mayor, with Australian drug suspect Gregor Johann Haas. Drug

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has sent a note verbale to Beijing following repeated collisions between both countries’ vessels near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The protest note is the 43rd note verbale the Philippines has issued against China, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs in a report by GMA’s "Unang Balita" on Thursday, September 5. This comes after the Chinese Coast Guard last week was accused of deliberately and repeatedly ramming Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) ship, BRP Teresa Magbanua, which has been anchored at Escoda Shoal since April to thwart Chinese reclamation activities there. The incident punched a man-sized hole in the vessel. No crew was injured. At least two other collisions involving Chinese vessels have taken place since August within or near the vicinity of Escoda Shoal — a feature 75 nautical miles from Palawan and deep within the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. On August 25,

BEIJING, China — China's state security agency on Wednesday warned students with access to sensitive information against falling for "handsome men" or "beautiful women" that might entice them to spy for foreign powers. Beijing's Ministry of State Security (MSS) has promoted claims that foreign spies are working to lure loyal Chinese to betray their country -- often in lurid and unusual ways -- since opening a WeChat account last year. It has warned that foreign spies "have countless disguises, and can even change their gender" and called on citizens to "build 1.4 billion lines of defence" against threats to the country. And it accused on Wednesday foreign intelligence agencies of deploying "romance traps" to lure Chinese students. It said foreign spies were using job ads and even online dating to "lure and coerce" young students, especially those with access to "sensitive scientific research data", to han

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Thursday that Malaysia will press on with oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, after a leaked diplomatic document showed opposition from Beijing. Malaysia's state-run oil firm Petronas operates oil and gas fields in the sea within its exclusive economic zone. But China claims almost all of the economically vital waterway despite competing claims from other countries and an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. "What we did in terms of oil exploration is certainly within our waters," Anwar told reporters travelling with him on a visit to Russia. However, he struck a conciliatory tone, describing China as a friend and saying both countries would discuss the issue amicably. "We will probably respond to China in explaining our position that we have never intended to be in any way provocative, unnecessarily hostile," Anwar said. "China is a great friend. But

Senior Philippine and Chinese diplomats have agreed to resume talks in China this month after a series of confrontations spread to a new scene of active conflict in the West Philippine Sea. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo confirmed when asked by reporters Wednesday night at a diplomatic reception that China will host this month in Beijing the next round of Bilateral Consultations Mechanism, or BCM, where both countries tackle the thorny territorial issues related to the WPS/South China Sea. China and the Philippines alternately host the BCM talks which started in 2017. The last BCM was held in Manila on July 2. Manalo did not provide other details but when asked if the BCM talks in Beijing would include the recent Chinese Coast Guard ramming of the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Teresa Magbanua in Sabina (Escoda) Shoal, he replied, “Hopefully.” Sabina has emerged as a new site of confrontations between China and the Philippines in the tension-filled waters. The Philippine

Chinese-owned solar companies operating in Southeast Asia — particularly in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia — are facing potential challenges due to rising US tariffs. These countries account for around 40% of solar module production capacity outside of China and may soon be subject to additional US tariffs amid accusations of aiding China in circumventing US import duties. In response, many Chinese firms have scaled back operations in Southeast Asia, complicating the European Union's efforts to expand its solar capacity. Southeast Asia, second only to China in solar panel production, accounted for over 80% of US solar imports by the fourth quarter of 2023, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. 'World’s largest solar project’ breaks ground in PH, says SPNEC PH gets $13.7 billion 'investment pledges' from China firms for renewable energy: Palace In 2022, the Biden administration ordered a two-year tariff reprieve for solar panel imports from Malay

The fear of AI-induced job disruption is ubiquitous. Reports predicting the mass displacement of workers by AI systems make headlines, fueling anxieties about an impending employment crisis. While it's true that certain jobs may be at risk, it's equally important to recognize the potential for job augmentation that GenAI brings. Generative AI can handle repetitive, mundane tasks, freeing up human workers to engage in more complex, creative, and fulfilling activities. This shift can enhance productivity and job satisfaction. For instance, AI can assist healthcare professionals by analyzing vast amounts of data, enabling them to focus on patient care. In manufacturing, AI can optimize production processes, allowing human workers to concentrate on innovation and quality control. By augmenting human capabilities, GenAI can create a more efficient and satisfying work environment. Deepfakes and disinformation vs. creative enhancement Concerns about deepfakes and disinformation a

DUBAI, United Arb Emirates – A Filipina working in sales at a pharmaceutical company here has gained TikTok fame for her perfect mimicry of the South Asian accent enjoyed by mostly Indian nationals who obviously don’t feel offended but are actually having a blast seeing her speak English their way. “In my viral videos, most of those laughing out loud were Indians and Arabians. So, I get this feeling that… ‘Oh my God, they like it!’ I’d ask them why and they’d say, ‘You’re so cute, you are loving our accent,’” said Jennalyn Flores Caisip, 37, of Concepcion, Tarlac, in a mix of English and the vernacular. Caisip, however, is not without bashers. “People like the show. It is so unique a talent, they say. But then, of course the others, they say they couldn’t take it. It’s fine because they apparently do not understand what I am doing. So long as I don’t say bad words or bad things about their (South Asian) culture, I’m ok. I respect them (South Asians) and I love their accent,” said C

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac on Tuesday assured the public that the 17 Filipino seafarers being held captive by the Houthi rebels since November last year remain safe, while the Philippine government continues coordination for their possible release. At the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum, Cacdac said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is still currently undertaking efforts to secure the release of the Filipino crew members of the MV Galaxy Leader which was seized last November. “We know na may coordination na, may pakikipagusap na sa mga [there is already coordination with the] governments that have communication lines with the Houthis who are holding the 17 [seafarers],” he said. "We know they are safe and sound. Still at this stage, they are on board the ship. However, we still are coordinating with the DFA on [their] safe, eventual release nila,” he added. In November 2023, the DFA announced that the 17 Filipino seafarers were among the foreigners held host