Zubiri: Houthi missile attack in Red Sea ‘an act of terrorism’

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri condemns the Houthi rebels’ missile attack on ships crossing the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which resulted in the death of two Filipinos, in a statement released on Thursday, March 7, 2024. He said: “This is an act of terrorism, plain and simple.” | PHOTO: Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — “This is an act of terrorism, plain and simple.”

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri had this to say on Thursday following the fatal missile attack by Houthi rebels on ships crossing the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

“There is no way to justify this brutality,” Zubiri emphasized in a statement where he likewise expressed his strong condemnation of the incident.

The Department of Migrant Workers on Thursday confirmed the deaths of two Filipino seafarers in the most recent attack, adding they were also informed that two other Filipino crewmen were severely injured following the event.

“My deepest condolences go to the families of the victims, and I join them in calling for justice for their loved ones. I also call on the Department of Migrant Workers to seek the return of the victims to their families, and to extend the necessary assistance to the injured crewmen,” said Zubiri.

READ: 2 Filipino sailors killed, 2 severely hurt in Houthi missile attack

The DMW earlier noted that they have already coordinated with the shipowner and manning agency in line with its bid to repatriate the ship’s remaining Filipino crew members.

The agency likewise called for continued diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East.