The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., conveyed his appreciation to India for its prompt and resolute response in rescuing Filipino crew members of a merchant vessel targeted by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden earlier this month.
Following an attack by a Houthi missile strike on the MV Confidence while navigating the Gulf of Aden on March 6, the Indian Navy's medical team promptly rescued all crew members and administered critical care.
Tragically, three crew members, including two Filipinos, lost their lives in the incident.
According to reports from the Philippine News Agency, all surviving Filipino crew members have been safely repatriated.
Expressing his gratitude during the visit of India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to the Philippines, President Marcos Jr. thanked the Indian government for its swift and decisive action in the rescue operation concerning the MV True Confidence incident.
In a Facebook post, President Marcos Jr. stated, "I express my profound gratitude to the Indian government for their swift and decisive action in rescuing Filipino seafarers involved in the MV True Confidence incident." He also expressed anticipation for further enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries for their mutual benefit.
S Jaishankar's current visit marks his second trip to Manila, with his first being in February 2022. During this visit, he paid a courtesy call to President Marcos Jr. at the Malacanan Palace.
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