Manila Philippines – After 14 months, the 17 Filipino seafarers of the M/V Galaxy Leader that was captured by the Houthi rebel group will be able to return home safe.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the 17 Filipino crew members are scheduled to arrive in the country tonight.
Among those released by the Houthis were 8 other foreign nationals who were also on-board by the said cargo ship.
The DFA thanked the Sultanate of Oman for its support and mediation with the Houthis for the release of the hostages.
“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,” DFA said in a statement.
“The Department is working on their immediate repatriation to Manila so that they could reunite with their long-suffering families as soon as possible,” DFA added.
President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. also thanked the leader of Oman and praised the government agencies for their efforts to safely release the crew members.
“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. I commend the concerned Philippine Government Agencies and private instrumentalities who worked tirelessly with foreign governments and entities for more than 429 days in making this momentous development possible,” Marco said.
The Filipino seafarers are now in the custody of the Philippine embassy in Muscat Oman and the president assured their immediate repatriation.
November 2023 when the Houthi rebel group captured 25 crew members of the M/V Galaxy Leader while it was passing through the red sea.