Manila, July 30 -- The Philippine government is exhausting all efforts to secure the release of nine Filipino crew members of the ill-fated MV Eternity C currently held captive by the Houthis, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said "all indications" are pointing that they are in Sanaa, inland Yemen "at hands of Houthis."

"Our Honorary Consul in Yemen has been assured they are well. He is working to see them-- We are working for their release, with the help of friendly governments," he said in a text message.

The vessel was carrying 22 crew members, 21 of whom are Filipinos, when it was attacked by drones and rocket-propelled grenades launched by Iran-backed Ho...