- After 428 Days of Captivity: 17 Filipino Seafarers from MV Galaxy Leader Return Home
- Philippine Government Welcomes Home 17 Seafarers Held Hostage in Yemen
- Joyous Reunion: Filipino Seafarers Freed from Houthi Rebels in Yemen
Manila, Philippines – After over a year of captivity, 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage in Yemen have finally returned to the Philippines. The crew members of the MV Galaxy Leader arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Thursday evening, met with emotional embraces from family and a welcoming delegation of government officials.
 |
| Photo from: Department of Migrant Workers / FB |
The seafarers were abducted by Houthi rebels in November 2023 when their Israeli-owned cargo ship was hijacked in the Red Sea. Their ordeal lasted 428 days, marked by uncertainty and anxiety for both the hostages and their families back home.
The release of the hostages was secured through the collaborative efforts of the Philippine government, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. taking a personal interest in the case. "Every time we meet, after cabinet meetings, before and during, he (President Marcos Jr.) will always ask about the families," said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. "We had a handholding effort with the families; we got to know them well."
Philippine Ambassador to Oman, Raul Hernandez, highlighted the crucial role of Oman in securing the seafarers' release. Following a ceasefire in Gaza, negotiations with the Houthis led to the crew's transfer to Muscat, where the Philippine embassy facilitated their medical check-ups, document review, and flight arrangements for their return to Manila.
Support and Assistance for the Seafarers
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has pledged comprehensive assistance to the returning seafarers and their families. This includes:
- Financial aid: Continuous payment of salaries throughout their captivity, additional financial assistance from the 'Aksyon' fund.
- Medical assistance: Medical check-ups and treatment for any health issues, including three crew members who contracted malaria.
- Psychosocial support: Counseling and stress debriefing to help them cope with the trauma of their captivity.
- Educational and livelihood assistance: Scholarships and reintegration programs to support their future endeavors.
Photo from: Department of Migrant Workers / FB
The emotional reunion at the airport was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Secretary Cacdac shared heartwarming stories of families reuniting, including a crew member meeting his son for the first time after his wife gave birth during his captivity.
"Now that we see them with their loved ones, we see the joy and happiness in their eyes and hearts," said Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
While the seafarers will take time to reconnect with their families and undergo medical evaluations, their safe return marks an end to a challenging chapter in their lives. The incident underscores the risks faced by Filipino seafarers working abroad and the government's commitment to their welfare and protection.
0 Comments