For the first time in over a year, the families and loved ones of 17 Filipino seafarers can finally breathe a sigh of relief as they have been released from captivity in Yemen and are now safe under the care of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday proudly shared the latest development regarding the release of the brave Filipino seafarers, along with the rest of their fellow crewmembers aboard the MV Galaxy Leader.
“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 the M/V Galaxy Leader,” he said in a statement.
“Our Filipino seafarers are now in the care of our Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman, and will be reunited with their loved ones in the Philippines very soon,” he added.
The vessel was hijacked following a Houthi attack in November 2023. Twenty-five seafarers, including Filipinos, were held hostage by the rebel group in support of Hamas in their fight against Israel.
Marcos expressed his gratitude to the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq, for his government’s successful mediation, which led to the eventual release and safe passage of the Filipino seafarers through his country.
He also lauded the efforts of concerned government agencies that have continuously coordinated with their foreign counterparts to make this day a reality.
“I commend the concerned Philippine government agencies and private instrumentalities who worked tirelessly with foreign governments and entities for more than 429 days to make this momentous development possible,” Marcos said.
The release of the crewmembers of the MV Galaxy Leader came after a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel went into effect on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive vowed to protect Filipino seafarers’ rights and overall welfare, including the promotion of full employment and ensuring equal opportunities, regardless of gender, in the maritime industry through Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.