MANILA, Philippines – Filipino seafarers held captive by Houthi rebels for more than a year in Yemen finally arrived home, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced.
In its post on its social media platform, the DMW confirmed that all 17 Filipino crew members of M/V Galaxy Leader safely arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City at 9:31pm, Thursday evening via Oman Air 843.
“A whole-of-government team welcomes the 17 Filipino crew members of M/V Galaxy Leader who were held captive for more than a year in Yemen,” DMW said.
“The immediate repatriation and provision of comprehensive assistance and support to the Filipino seafarers is a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., under [a] one-team approach of ensuring better protection and welfare of the Filipino seafarers and their families,” the post read.
Officials who led the welcoming of the seafarers were Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and other government officials.
Malacañang announced the positive news of the release of the Filipino crew members early on Thursday (Jan. 23).
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. also thanked His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman and his government for their successful mediation, which lead to the eventual release, and safe passage of the Filipino seafarers through Oman, the Presidential Communications Office stated.
This was echoed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), by stating that the country is “eternally grateful” for the support and mediation efforts of the Sultanate of Oman.
The DFA also joins the country in celebrating the good news of the release of the Filipino seafarers and underscored the successful efforts, despite the challenges, through what they called “quiet diplomacy”, the statement added.
November 2023 while en route to India, Houthis hijacked the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader near Hodeidah, taking hostage its 25 crew members, including 17 Filipinos.
The move was reportedly in retaliation for Israel’s offensive against the Hamas in Gaza, according to the DFA.
