Seventeen Filipino seafarers, previously held captive by Houthi rebels, are scheduled to arrive back in the Philippines on Thursday night. The crew members of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader were photographed at the Philippine Embassy in Oman following their release. They are expected to land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport around 9:30 p.m., as confirmed by DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega.
The Department of Foreign Affairs covered the seafarers’ expenses in Oman and facilitated their repatriation. The DFA emphasized their commitment to reuniting the seafarers with their families as quickly as possible. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the release of the 17 Filipinos along with eight other foreign crew members.
The DFA expressed gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman for their crucial role in the release, highlighting the effectiveness of quiet diplomacy. Senator Joel Villanueva praised the government’s dedication to the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the significance of international cooperation. He also commended the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for its swift assistance to OFWs in distress.
Speaker Martin Romualdez lauded President Marcos and his administration for their relentless efforts in securing the seafarers’ freedom, describing it as a testament to the President’s commitment to Filipino workers globally. Romualdez emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving the safe release and reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to protecting OFWs through legislative measures, such as the recently enacted Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
TINGOG Partylist Representative Jude Acidre celebrated the release as a joyous moment for the nation, extending congratulations to President Marcos and DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac for their leadership. Acidre also acknowledged the vital roles of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat and the Omani government.
Bishop Ruperto Santos of the Catholics Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines expressed gratitude for the prayers that contributed to the seafarers’ release. He described their return as a miraculous answer to fervent prayers and urged the faithful to continue supporting the returning workers, highlighting the strength found in faith and community.