9 Pinoy seafarers seized in Red Sea attack now PH-bound
Published Dec 4, 2025 06:22 pm
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (PCO screenshot)
President Marcos announced that nine Filipino seafarers abducted by Houthi forces in Yemen last July are now on their way home, marking the end of a months-long ordeal following the attack on the MV Eternity C in the Red Sea.
In a video message on Thursday, Dec. 4, the President said the mariners were transported from Yemen to Oman this week, where they were received by personnel from the Philippine Embassy in Muscat and the Department of Migrant Workers.
“Yung siyam na marino na ating kababayan ay naligtas mula sa lumubog na barko… at sila po ay pauwi na (The nine Filipino mariners have been rescued from the sunken vessel and they are now on their way home),” he said.
Marcos said the seafarers completed initial debriefings and documentation in Oman before being cleared for immediate repatriation “just in time for Christmas.”
According to the President, the rescue underscores the need for continued vigilance, rapid inter-agency coordination, and strong diplomatic partnerships to safeguard overseas Filipino workers, as he acknowledged the risks they face when passing through areas of conflict—including the Red Sea, where several maritime attacks have been recorded this year.
“Kung minsan delikado ang nagiging buhay ng ating mga marino dahil kung saan-saan sila pumupunta… nadadamay sila (The lives of our seafarers can become dangerous because they are deployed to many places and are sometimes caught in conflict),” he said.
Meanwhile, He also offered condolences to the family of Filipino seafarer Neil Roy Faner, who was killed during the attack on the vessel.
Oman lauded for role in rescue
President Marcos thanked the Sultanate of Oman for facilitating the retrieval and safe transfer of the Filipino mariners, calling the country a consistent and dependable partner during crises involving overseas Filipinos.
“Magpasalamat tayo… sa Omani government dahil sila talaga ay walang tigil na tumutulong sa atin (Let us thank the Omani government because they helped us tirelessly),” he said.
He credited Sultan Haitham bin Tariq for extending assistance “in every way possible” to secure the release of the seafarers.