All 17 Filipino seafarers have been released after more than a year of captivity in Yemen, President Marcos announced.
"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.