THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday said that a search was underway for the Filipino seafarer killed in the Houthi rebel's attack on the international vessel MV Tutor.
In a statement on Tuesday, the DMW, while declaring the Filipino as "missing," said the Philippine Embassy in Athens, Greece, was informed of the search operation.
"The Philippine Embassy in Athens under Ambassador Giovanni Palec met with the MV Tutor's shipping principal, who informed Ambassador Palec that search operations for our missing seafarer shall be undertaken as soon as the ship is taken to a safe port," the DMW announced.
The agency said they remained "hopeful" and were in contact with the seafarer's family.
On Monday, United States National Security Council spokesman John Kirby accused the Houthis of killing the Filipino seafarer and injuring a Sri Lankan sailor.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Party-List Rep. Marissa del Mar-Magsino called for the coordination of Filipino government agencies with the proper authorities to ensure that the body of the sailor slain during the attack on MV Tutor in the Red Sea is given a proper burial in the country.
"I am condoling with the family of our seafarer. There had been so many attacks by the Houthi rebels on cargo vessels with Filipinos on board. It is saddening to hear that our sailors are always in harm's way while working hard for their families amid these acts of terrorism," del Mar-Magsino said.
She vowed to push harder for the passage of laws that would protect OFWs, especially in high-risk areas.
"I will continue to push for laws to give care and protection to all our OFWs and also to strengthen our bilateral labor agreements in high-risk countries," del Mar-Magsino said.
With reports from Red Mendoza