9 FILIPINO SEAFARERS HELD HOSTAGE BY HOUTHI  REBELS BACK IN PH

THE nine Filipino seafarers from the M/V Eternity C who were held hostage by Houthi rebels last July on Thursday arrived in the Philippines.

The nine Pinoy seamen arrived  at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Thursday night.

The seafarers told the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) that they were treated properly by the rebels and did not expect that they would be released on Monday. 

“Hindi nila inaasahan, sabi nila ay merong tyansa ng kanilang pagpapauwi pero hindi nila inaasahan na ngayon mangyari,” said DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. 

The DMW said that the seafarers will receive financial grants and other assistance courtesy of various government agencies. 

Meanwhile, the remains of another seafarer from M/V Eternity C will be repatriated to the Philippines next week. 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. described the release of the seafarers a piece of good news for the country in time for Christmas.

President Marcos said the seafarers, who were taken after their vessel MV Eternity C sank in the Red Sea, were received in Oman on Wednesday by officials from the Philippine Embassy in Muscat and the DMW before being cleared for immediate repatriation.

The nine seafarers arrived on Wednesday in Oman from Yemen, and were welcomed by officials from the Philippine Embassy in Muscat and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

“Kaya’t mabuti kahit medyo natagalan ay sa wakas ay makauwi na ang ating mga kababayan. Welcome home sa inyong lahat. Tamang-tama, Merry Christmas,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos thanked the DMW, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Philippine Embassy in Oman for their respective efforts in ensuring the safety of the seafarers.

The President recognized the support of the Omani government for the assistance in securing the rescue of the seamen, extending gratitude to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.

“At huwag po nating kakalimutan na magpasalamat sa Omani government dahil sila talaga ay walang tigil na tumutulong sa atin,” the Chief Executive said.

“At kaya’t pinapaabot ko ang pasasalamat ko sa Sultanate of Oman. Ang namumuno ay ang Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. At sila po ay talagang kaibigan po ng Pilipino at lahat ng maaaring gawin para iligtas ang ating mga marino ay kanila ring ginawa. Kaya naman ay nandito na tayo at nailigtas ‘yung siyam,” President Marcos added.

The President said upon arrival in Oman, the seafarers received a brief orientation and had their documents processed.

“At hindi na natin pinatagal. Gustong-gusto na siguro nila umuwi, Paskong-pasko pa kaya’t pinauwi na natin,” President Marcos said.

The President, meanwhile. extended condolences to the family of Neil Roy Faner, who died during the attack.

The President underscored that Filipino seafarers at times face dangerous situations as part of their work, since their assignments can take them to high-risk areas.

President Marcos emphasized that these risks make it all the more important for the government to act swiftly and decisively whenever the safety and welfare of Filipino mariners are threatened.

“Ito po ay ating ginawa dahil alam naman natin na kung minsan delikado ang nagiging buhay ng ating mga marino dahil kung saan sila pumupunta, napapasok sila sa war zone, kung saan ‘yung mga lugar kung saan may gera eh nadadamay sila,” the President said.