photo: DMW
The 17 Filipino seafarers, who were released by the Houthi rebels after being held captives for than a year, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Thursday night, Jan. 23.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo led the officials who welcomed the 17 Filipino crewmen members of M/V Galaxy which was seized by the Houthi rebels in November 2023 on Red Sea.
The seafarers arrived safely at the NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City via Oman Air 843 at 9:31 p.m.
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," said Cacdac.
photo: DMW
Some of the Filipino seafarers could not help but cry for joy after meeting thier family at the airport.
After their release, they immediately underwent a medical check-up.
The Philippine government then booked a flight for thier return to the Philippines.