17 seafarers held hostage in Yemen are now free

Courtesy of the Philippine Embassy, Muscat

MANILA, Philippines — The 17 Filipino crew members of MV Galaxy Leader held hostage by Houthi rebels in Yemen were released after more than a year in captivity, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday.

“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 crew members of M/V Galaxy Leader,” Marcos said in a statement.

READ: 17 Filipino seafarers safe after recent Houthi rebels’ attack

The seafarers are currently in the care of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman, and will be sent back to the Philippines “very soon.”

“Allow me to express my gratitude to His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, and his government for their successful mediation, which led to the eventual release and safe passage of our countrymen through Oman,” said Marcos.

He also commended the Philippine government agencies and private instrumentalities who helped in the release of the seafarers.

Marcos further said, “As this saga of our brave Filipino seafarers comes to a joyful conclusion, let me remind everyone that—they are the reason why I signed Republic Act No. 12021—known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers—into law.”

“This is to protect their rights and overall welfare, to promote their full employment and to ensure equal opportunities in the maritime industry—regardless of gender or creed—including equitable access to education, training and development, consistent with existing domestic and international laws, standards and conventions,” he also said.

In November 2023, Yemeni rebels seized MV Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea and took hostage its 25 crew members, including 17 Filipinos, in retaliation for Israel’s offensive in Gaza. The seafarers were held in captivity for more than 400 days.