17 Pinoy seafarers reunite with families after Houthi ordeal

MANILA, Philippines — The 17 Filipino seafarers who were held hostage by Houthi rebels for more than a year were finally reunited with their families upon their arrival in the country on Thursday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and other government officials welcomed the seafarers who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 via Oman Air Flight 843 at 9:31 p.m.

“The long wait is over! Our prayers were answered! I join the Filipino nation in welcoming back to the Philippines the 17 Filipino hostages. Their pleasant disposition, resilience in spirit and strength as a team saw them through this most difficult ordeal,” Manalo said.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said cooperation with other government agencies, manning agencies and the bulk owner resulted in the release of the Filipino seafarers and their immediate repatriation.

He added that after their release, the seafarers were immediately brought to Muscat in Oman for a medical check-up prior to their flight to Manila.

Cacdac assured the seafarers that they will receive complete benefits.

“The immediate repatriation and provision of comprehensive assistance and support to the Filipino seafarers is a directive from President Marcos Jr., under a one-team approach of ensuring better protection and welfare of the Filipino seafarers and their families,” Cacdac said.

The 17 Filipino seafarers were among the 25 crew members of the cargo vessel M/V Galaxy Leader which was seized by Houthi rebels in November 2023 on the Red Sea in retaliation for Israel’s attack on Gaza.

Meanwhile, Japan said it is a relief to learn about the release of the seafarers.

“It is a relief for us to learn that the crew of the MV Galaxy Leader, which had been held by the Houthis, was released on Jan. 22,” Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Secretary Toshihiro Kitamura said in a statement.

Japan, the G7 and other nations have been urging the Houthis, while working with other countries concerned, to release the crew and the vessel itself.

“We highly appreciate the efforts of the Sultanate of Oman and all the countries concerned in achieving the release,” he said.

Japan reiterated that the right and freedom of navigation must be respected.

Kitamura said Japan will continue its diplomatic efforts toward the cessation of attacks by the Houthis and the early release of the Galaxy Leader vessel. — Pia Lee-Brago