Aden — The Philippine government has confirmed the arrival of the remains of a Filipino sailor who was killed in a Houthi missile strike targeting a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden earlier this month. 

The sailor was part of the crew aboard the Dutch-flagged cargo ship MV Minervagracht, which came under attack while transiting international waters off the coast of Yemen.

According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the body of the deceased seafarer was repatriated to Manila on Tuesday evening, where grieving family members and government officials received the casket in a solemn ceremony. The sailor’s identity has not been publicly disclosed out of respect for the family’s privacy.

The missile strike, attributed to Houthi forces, killed one Filipino crew member and injured several others. The vessel was reportedly carrying humanitarian cargo when it was hit. The incident has drawn international condemnation and renewed concerns over the safety of maritime routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have seen a surge in attacks amid escalating regional tensions.

“The government mourns the loss of one of our brave seafarers and stands in solidarity with his family,” said DMW Secretary Susan Ople. “We are coordinating with international partners to ensure the safety of Filipino workers at sea and to hold accountable those responsible for this senseless act.”

The DMW also confirmed that the remaining Filipino crew members have been safely evacuated and are receiving medical and psychological support. Two injured sailors were flown home last week and are recovering in local hospitals.

The Houthi militia, which controls large parts of northern Yemen, has previously targeted commercial and military vessels in the region, citing solidarity with Palestinian groups and opposition to Western military presence. The latest attack underscores the growing risks faced by civilian maritime traffic in one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors.

The Philippine government has called for enhanced international maritime security and reiterated its commitment to protecting overseas Filipino workers, particularly those in high-risk zones.