The 17 Filipino seafarers held captive by the Houthis in Yemen for more than a year have been safely released, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. announced Thursday.
“It is with utmost joy that I announce the safe release of all 17 Filipino seafarers,” President Marcos said in a statement.
“Our Filipino seafarers are now in the care of our Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman, and will be reunited with their loved ones in the Philippines very soon,” he added.
The seafarers were part of the M/V Galaxy Leader, a vehicle carrier linked to an Israeli shipping firm that was captured by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea in November 2023.
The Houthis claimed the seizure due to its Israeli connection amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The crew, which included Filipinos, Bulgarians, Romanians, Ukrainians, and Mexicans endured more than a year of captivity before Oman’s mediation led to their release.
President Marcos expressed his gratitude to Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman and the Omani government for their critical role in mediating the release and ensuring the safe passage of the seafarers.
He also commended the collaborative efforts of Philippine government agencies, private groups, and foreign entities that worked tirelessly for 429 days to secure the crew’s freedom.
President Marcos highlighted the incident as a poignant reminder of the importance of safeguarding the welfare of Filipino seafarers, citing the recently signed Republic Act No. 12021 or Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
“This law protects their rights and welfare, promotes their full employment, and ensures equal opportunities in the maritime industry, including access to education, training, and development consistent with international standards,” the President said.
In a separate statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the repatriation process for the 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels in Yemen since November 2023 is now underway.
“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 DFA stated on Thursday.
“Our successful efforts despite all the challenges prove that quiet diplomacy works. The men and women of the Department of Foreign Affairs will remain true to our calling to serve our country and people,” it added.
President Marcos welcomed the development, confirming that the Filipino seafarers are now under the care of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman.