MANILA, Philippines — The 17 Filipino seafarers and other crew members of cargo vessel M/V Galaxy Leader who were held hostage by Yemeni rebels have been freed after more than a year of captivity, President Marcos announced yesterday.
In a statement, Marcos said the Filipino seafarers are now in the care of the Philippine embassy in Muscat, Oman and would be reunited with their loved ones in the Philippines “very soon.”
“It is with utmost joy that, after more than a year of captivity in Yemen, I announce the safe release of all 17 Filipino seafarers, together with the rest of the crew members of M/V Galaxy Leader,” the President said.
“Allow me to express my gratitude to His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman and his government for their successful mediation, which led to the eventual release and safe passage of our countrymen through Oman,” he added.
The Filipino seafarers were among the 25 Galaxy Leader crew that was seized by Houthi rebels in November 2023 in retaliation for Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
The Bahamas-flagged, British-owned vessel has links to Israeli businessman Abraham Ungar and is operated by a Japanese firm. The Houthis hijacked the cargo ship near Hodeidah while en route to India.
Marcos commended the Philippine state agencies and private instrumentalities that worked with foreign governments and entities for more than 429 days to ensure the release of the hostages.
He also emphasized the importance of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers enacted last year.
According to Marcos, the law, whose implementing rules and regulations were signed last Jan. 8, seeks to protect seafarers’ rights and overall welfare, promote their full employment and ensure equal opportunities in the maritime industry, consistent with existing domestic and international laws, standards and conventions.
Leaders of the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, lauded Marcos for successfully securing the release of the Filipino seafarers.
Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, House committee on overseas workers affairs chairman, also congratulated Marcos for his resolute leadership and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac for his “unwavering dedication in navigating this complex and delicate mission.”
OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino and Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo also congratulated Marcos and the Department of Migrant Workers.
Cacdac said one of the Filipino crewmen who got infected with malaria already recovered from the illness, adding that all 17 crew would undergo medical examinations and would be provided with psychological assistance upon their return.
The Catholic Church is also celebrating the safe return of the workers with Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos describing it as a “miraculous” answer to prayers. – Jose Rodel Clapano, Mayen Jaymalin, Evelyn Macairan, Pia Lee-Brago