17 Filipino Sailors Back Home ‘In High Spirits’ After Year of Houthi Captivity

Jerusalem, 24 January, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- MANILA (PNA) – After 428 days in captivity by Houthi rebels, the 17 Filipino crew members of cargo ship Galaxy Leader returned home to the Philippines and reunited with their families on Thursday night.

Government officials were on hand to welcome the repatriated seafarers upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after arriving from Oman.

In a press briefing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac shared the joy of seeing the seafarers safe and in high spirits, finally embracing their families.

“There’s nothing more joyous than to see them reunited with their families. The number one directive of our dear President, since day one to us, is to just take care of the families,” Cacdac said.

The seafarers had been taken hostage by the Houthi rebels and held in Yemen in November 2023 while sailing the Red Sea.

Cacdac said the seafarers arrived in Manila after a lengthy diplomatic and humanitarian effort, in a whole-of-government approach involving various Philippine government agencies.

He said the entire operation was a testament to the strength of inter-agency collaboration and international partnerships, including the Philippine Embassy in Oman, led by Ambassador Raul Hernandez, which played a pivotal role in negotiations with Houthi officials, through the Omani government.

Cacdac ensured full government assistance to the seafarers and their families.

He said the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) had been with the seafarers’ families during their days in captivity, providing them with emotional, financial, and logistical support, and even spiritual guidance.

Meanwhile, upon their arrival, Department of Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the crew members will undergo medical and psychosocial support, acknowledging the trauma the seafarers endured during their captivity.

“We are aware of the psychological toll that 428 days in captivity can have, and we are committed to offering comprehensive medical and psychosocial support,” Domingo said.

Meanwhile, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration said it would continuously communicate with the seafarers’ manning agency, the Sea Power Shipping Enterprises Inc., to assist each of the crew members, especially on the benefits that they would receive from the shipowner of the MV Galaxy Leader.

The DMW pledged to continue providing financial support to the seafarers and their families as they begin the process of reintegration.

Cacdac assured the seafarers would receive livelihood support, educational assistance for their families, and medical care.