17 PINOYS HELD HOSTAGE IN YEMEN FREED – MARCOS

PRESIDENT  Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday announced that the 17 Filipino crew members of M/V Galaxy Leader who were held captive in Yemen for more than a year were safely released by their captors.

According to the President, the Filipino seafarers, along with the rest of the crew of M/V Galaxy Leader, are now under the care of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman.

The 17 Filipinos are expected to go home to their families in the Philippines shortly, President Marcos said.

The President expressed his joy and relief over the release, which marks the end of the seafarers’ 429-day ordeal.

He also extended his gratitude to His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, and his government for their mediation efforts, which played a crucial role in securing the release and safe passage of the Filipino crew members through Oman.

“I am pleased to announce the safe release of all 17 Filipino seafarers, together with the rest of the crewmembers of M/V Galaxy Leader. 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,” President Marcos said.

Yemeni rebels in November 2023 seized M/V Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea and held hostage its 25 crew members, including 17 Filipinos.

The hostage-taking was in retaliation for Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

President Marcos commended various Philippine government agencies and private entities for their persistent efforts in collaboration with foreign governments and organizations.

He said the collective work contributed to the safe release of the hostages.

Following the release of the seafarers, the President underscored the importance of the Pinoy seamen and their protection under the Philippine law.

He said he signed Republic Act No. 12021 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers to ensure the protection of the rights and overall welfare of the Filipino seafarers, as well as promote their full employment, and ensure equal opportunities in the maritime industry, regardless of gender or creed, including equitable access to education, training and development.