17 FILIPINO SEAFARERS FINALLY HOME

THE  17 Filipino crew members of cargo ship MV Galaxy Leader are finally home after 428 days in captivity by Houthi rebels

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, together with  Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, other officials from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Department of Health (DOH) welcomed the seafarers upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal in Pasay City via Oman Air flight at 9:31 p.m. Thursday.

Cacdac shared the joy of seeing the seafarers safe and in high spirits, finally embracing their families.

In November 2023, the seafarers were held hostage by the Houthi militants while sailing the Red Sea.

According to Cacdac, the 17 Pinoy seamen were freed following a lengthy diplomatic and humanitarian effort, in a whole-of-government approach involving various Philippine government agencies.

He said the entire operation was a testament to the strength of inter-agency collaboration and international partnerships, including the Philippine Embassy in Oman, led by Ambassador Raul Hernandez, which played a pivotal role in negotiations with Houthi officials, through the Omani government.

The DMW chief ensured full government assistance to the seafarers and their families.

He said the DMW has been with the seafarers’ families during their days in captivity, providing them with emotional, financial, and logistical support, and even spiritual guidance.

DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the crew members will undergo medical and psychosocial support, acknowledging the trauma the seafarers endured during their captivity.

The OWWA said it would continuously communicate with the seafarers’ manning agency, the Sea Power Shipping Enterprises Inc., to assist each of the crew members, especially on the benefits that they would receive from the shipowner of the MV Galaxy Leader.

Cacdac made sure that the freed Pinoy seamen would receive livelihood support, educational assistance for their families, and medical care. 

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

Meanwhile, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez lauded President Marcos Jr. and his administration for their successful effort in ensuring the safe release of the 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

“It is with immense gratitude that we commend President Marcos and his administration for their tireless dedication to securing the freedom of our brave Filipino seafarers from the M/V Galaxy Leader,” said Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives.

“This milestone is a testament to the President’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Filipino workers worldwide,” the House leader said

Romualdez expressed solidarity with the families of the seafarers, recognizing their resilience and hope throughout the ordeal.

“Their safe return is a triumph for their families and for the entire Filipino nation. This moment of joy is a reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration, perseverance, and diplomacy,” he added.