MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is now focused on bringing home the 17 Filipino seafarers abducted by Houthi rebels over a year ago.
“The Department is working on their immediate repatriation to Manila so that they could reunite with their long-suffering families as soon as possible,” the statement read.
The Filipino seafarers are currently in the care of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman while awaiting their repatriation, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed on Thursday.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. 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 PCO added.
This was echoed by the 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.
