The 17 Filipino seafarers who were held captive by Houthi rebels for over a year in Yemen will receive financial aid and undergo counseling, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) announced.
In a post on their official Facebook page, OWWA shared that Administrator Arnel Ignacio has directed the Repatriation Assistance Division to provide the seafarers with all necessary support, including financial assistance, counseling, and debriefing, to help them recover from the traumatic experience.
OWWA is also actively coordinating with Sea Power Shipping Enterprises Incorporated, the manning agency of the Filipino crew members, as they undergo physical and mental examinations.
Moreover, OWWA will continue to monitor the seafarers' recovery period and noted that if are ready to return to work on ships, they can avail of OWWA’s Seafarers Upgrading Program and Skills for Employment Scholarship Program for those who wish to enhance their skills as seafarers.
The OWWA Administrator also assured that the agency would continue to safeguard the welfare of the seafarers both while they are in the Philippines and during their future overseas employment.
"Ang OWWA ay patuloy na kakalingain ang kapakanan ng ating Filipino Seafarers habang sila ay nasa bansa at sa kanilang muling paghahanapbuhay sa ibayong dagat," said OWWA.
The 17 Filipino crew members safely arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City on Thursday evening at 9:31 PM via Oman Air 843.
In November 2023, the Houthi rebels hijacked the M/V Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea and took 25 crew members hostage, including 17 Filipinos, as retaliation for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
