DFA confirms release of 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage in Yemen
LET THE WORLD WATCH Houthi fighters open the door of the cockpit on the deck of the Galaxy Leader in this photo released by the rebel group on Nov. 20, 2023 a day after they hijacked the cargo ship in the southern Red Sea. —REUTERS
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Thursday the release from captivity in Yemen of 17 Filipino seafarers.
It added that the agency is now working on their immediate repatriation to Manila.
In a statement, the DFA said it is joining the nation in celebrating the release of the seafarers who were held in captivity for over a year.
“This could not have been possible had it not been for the support and mediation efforts of the Sultanate of Oman, for which we are eternally grateful,” said the DFA.
“The Department is working on their immediate repatriation to Manila so that they could reunite with their long-suffering families as soon as possible,” it emphasized.
The DFA noted that despite all the challenges, quiet diplomacy worked in this instance.
In November 2023, Yemeni rebels seized the carrier 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.
