MANILA, Nov. 18 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is expecting some positive development in the efforts to extract the Filipino seafarers being held by the Houthis in Yemen, Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said Tuesday.

She said partner countries in the Middle East are helping the Philippines appeal for the release of the Filipinos.

"We are hopeful that we have had very good relations with many of these countries. I cannot just divulge the negotiations or the discussions," she said in a joint press briefing with visiting Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin in Pasay City.

"I was just informed by the foreign minister concerned that something positive will come out in the coming days."

In July, the DFA confirmed t...