The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is working on the repatriation of the 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels in Yemen for more than a year.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)
“The Department is working on their immediate repatriation to Manila so that they could reunite with their long-suffering families as soon as possible,” the DFA said in a statement.
“Our successful efforts, despite all the challenges, prove that quiet diplomacy works. The men and women of the Department of Foreign Affairs will remain true to our calling to serve our country and people,” it added.
The DFA added that the release of the hostages “could not have been possible had it not been for the support and mediation efforts of the Sultanate of Oman, for which we are eternally grateful.”
President Marcos announced yesterday that the Filipino hostages, along with the rest of the crew members of M/V Galaxy Leader, have been freed.
"It is with utmost joy that, after more than a year of captivity in Yemen, I announce the safe release of all seventeen (17) Filipino seafarers, together with the rest of the crewmembers of M/V Galaxy Leader," Marcos disclosed in a statement on early Thursday morning, Jan. 23.
Marcos said they are under the care of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman, and are expected to return to the Philippines soon.
With their release, the President expressed gratitude to the Sultan of Oman, his government, and all concerned Philippine government agencies in making the release of the seafarers possible.
"Allow me to express my gratitude to His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman and his government for their successful mediation, which led to the eventual release and safe passage of our countrymen through Oman," he said.
"I commend the concerned Philippine Government Agencies and private instrumentalities who worked tirelessly with foreign governments and entities for more than 429 days in making this momentous development possible," he added.
The President also noted that the brave Filipino seafarers are the reason why he signed the Republic Act No. 12021, known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers into law, as it was meant to protect their rights and overall welfare.
"This is to protect their rights and overall welfare, to promote their full employment and to ensure equal opportunities in the maritime industry—regardless of gender or creed—including equitable access to education, training and development, consistent with existing domestic and international laws, standards and conventions," he said.
A triumph for PH
House Speaker Martin Romualdez described the release of the seafarers, after over a year in captivity by Houthi rebels, as a triumph for the entire country.
“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,” Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, said in a statement Thursday morning, Jan. 23.
“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,” said the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president,
“This milestone is a testament to the President’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Filipino workers worldwide," he added.
Romualdez expressed solidarity with the families of the seafarers as he recognized their resilience throughout the ordeal.
Meanwhile, the House leader emphasized the need to continue strengthening policies that protect the welfare of Filipino Overseas Workers (OFWs).
He cited the recent enactment of Republic Act (RA) No. 12021, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, as a crucial step in ensuring the rights, safety, and opportunities for Filipino maritime professionals.
“The House of Representatives remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting legislation and reforms that promote the dignity, security, and prosperity of all Overseas Filipino workers,” he said.
Romualdez joined President Marcos in expressing gratitude to His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, the Omani government and various entities who helped in the crucial mediation efforts, which led to the eventual release of the seafarers and their safe passage through Oman.
The M/V Galaxy Leader was hijacked by Houthi rebels in November 2023 and held the 25 crew members hostage for more than 429 days. The crew included the 17 Filipino sailors. (With a report from Ellson Quismorio)