All 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels in Yemen since 2023 are set to return home, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced.
“It is with utmost joy that, after more than a year of captivity in Yemen, I announce the safe release of all 17 Filipino seafarers, together with the rest of the crewmembers of M/V Galaxy Leader,” Marcos Jr. said in a statement.
The President said the Filipino seafarers are now under the case of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman, and will soon reunite with their families.
He thanked His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, and the Omani government for mediating the release and safe passage of the seafarers.
Marcos Jr. also praised Philippine agencies and private groups that worked with foreign counterparts for over 429 days to secure this “momentous development.”
In November 2023, the Houthis hijacked the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader near Hodeidah while en route to India, taking hostage its 25 crewmembers, including 17 Filipinos. The move was reportedly in retaliation for Israel’s offensive in Gaza.IMT
