Seventeen Filipino seafarers, who were held captive by Houthi rebels for 428 days, have returned to the Philippines and joyfully reunited with their families. The crew members of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Thursday evening, greeted by representatives from various government agencies including the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Transportation, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Health.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac expressed his delight at seeing the seafarers safe and in high spirits, emphasizing the joy of their family reunions. He highlighted the President’s directive to prioritize the care of the families, which has been the focus since the beginning of the crisis. The seafarers were taken hostage by Houthi militants in November 2023 while navigating the Red Sea.
The successful repatriation was the result of extensive diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, showcasing the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and international partnerships. The Philippine Embassy in Oman, under Ambassador Raul Hernandez, played a crucial role in negotiating with Houthi officials through the Omani government.
The Department of Migrant Workers has been supporting the seafarers’ families throughout their ordeal, offering emotional, financial, logistical, and spiritual assistance. Upon their return, the Department of Health, led by Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, committed to providing the seafarers with comprehensive medical and psychosocial support to address the trauma they experienced.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will maintain communication with Sea Power Shipping Enterprises Inc., the seafarers’ manning agency, to ensure the crew members receive their entitled benefits from the shipowner of the MV Galaxy Leader. The Department of Migrant Workers also pledged ongoing financial support and assistance for the seafarers’ reintegration, including livelihood support, educational assistance for their families, and medical care.