PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the safe release of 17 Filipino crew members of M/V Galaxy Leader, who were held captive in Yemen for more than a year.
The Filipino seafarers, along with the rest of the crew of M/V Galaxy Leader, are now under the care of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman.
They are expected to go home to their families in the Philippines shortly, Marcos said in a statement early Thursday.
The President expressed his joy and relief over the release, which marks the end of the seafarers’ 429-day ordeal.
He also extended his gratitude to His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, and his government for their mediation efforts, which played a crucial role in securing the release and safe passage of the Filipino crew members through Oman.
“I am pleased to announce the safe release of all seventeen [17] Filipino seafarers, together with the rest of the crewmembers of M/V Galaxy Leader. Our Filipino seafarers are now in the care of our Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman, and will be reunited with their loved ones in the Philippines very soon,” Marcos said.
In November 2023, Yemeni rebels seized M/V Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea and took hostage its 25 crew members, including 17 Filipinos, in retaliation for Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
Marcos commended various Philippine government agencies and private entities for their persistent efforts in collaboration with foreign governments and organizations.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it would issue a formal statement on Thursday morning.
Israel and Hamas struck a ceasefire deal that took effect Sunday, allowing the release of several Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainee exchanges, a breakthrough after more than a year of war in Gaza.
The deal covers a six-week ceasefire in Gaza, with negotiations for extension expected to begin in the coming weeks.
