President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. asked for the understanding of the Filipino community in the United Arab Emirates following his cancellation of a Dubai trip.

In a video message posted on the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Facebook page, Marcos said he had to prioritize the 17 Filipino seafarers who were held captive by Yemen's Houthi armed group in the Red Sea.

“Alam naman ninyo may mga bagay na kailangan agad na asikasuhin. Isa na dun ‘yung ating mga kababayan, mga kapwa Pilipino natin na na-hostage, 17 sila na na-hostage at ginagawa natin lahat ng paraan upang sila ay maiuwi na,” Marcos said.

He bared that a delegation, which is tasked to negotiate with Yemen's Houthi rebels and help the Pinoys return home, has been formed.

“Kaya’t, siguro naman maunawaan ninyo, na inuna muna natin ‘yan dahil kailangan nating tiyakin ang syempre ang seguridad ng ating mga kababayan,” the President added.

On Thursday, Nov. 30, Marcos announced that he called off his participation in the 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to focus on the hostage situation of 17 Filipino seafarers.

He then convened a meeting with officials in regard to the matter.

The President said he was saddened to cancel the trip since he is fond of meeting Filipinos abroad.

“Alam niyo, sa lahat ng aking pagbabyahe, ang pinaka-masaya sa lahat ng byahe na ‘yan ay kapag nagkikita tayong Pilipino dahil sympre, kapag mga Pilipino, laging masaya, may kantahan, may tawanan. I feel very bad, I will not be able to do with you this time,” Marcos said.

He then vowed to meet the Filipino community in Dubai at some other time.

“I will make it up to you. Gagawin pa natin ng mas magandang programa pa para naman makabawi ako sa inyo na hindi ako nakarating ngayong panahon na ito. Magkakaroon pa tayo ng pagkakataon at titiyakin natin na ang magiging pagsasama natin ay magiging matagumpay at masaya,” the President furthered.