Manila: The safe release of 17 Filipino seafarers held captive by rebels in a foreign land stands as a testament to the Marcos administration's care and concern for overseas Filipino workers and the effectiveness of its diplomatic initiatives in dealing with international crisis. Held captive by Houthi rebels in Yemen for 428 days, the 17 Filipino seafarers finally regained their freedom on Jan. 22, 2025, to the delight of their families and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. whose administration worked tirelessly to ensure their safety and release.
According to Philippines News Agency, 'It is with utmost joy that . I announce the safe release of all 17 Filipino seafarers together with the rest of the crew members of M/V Galaxy Leader,' President Marcos said on the eve of their return to the Philippines. The Filipino seafarers arrived home on Jan. 23 on a flight from Oman. They were welcomed at the airport by government officials led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, who both played a key role in negotiating and facilitating the release of the captives. 'The long wait is over.. I join the Filipino nation in welcoming back to the Philippines 17 Filipino hostages. Their pleasant disposition, resilience in spirit and strength as a team saw them through this most difficult ordeal,' Secretary Manalo said.
Their safe release marked a significant diplomatic achievement for the Marcos administration, and highlighted the government's commitment to protecting OFWs. M/V Galaxy Leader was hijacked by Houthi rebels while sailing from Turkey to India on Nov. 19, 2023, apparently in retaliation to Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. The vessel's 25 crew members included 17 Filipinos, prompting the Department of Foreign Affairs to initiate a coordinated diplomatic effort to ensure the safety of the Filipinos on board.
The crew was held in the Yemeni port of Al-Hudaydah. For 429 days, the Philippine government maintained continuous diplomatic engagement while ensuring support for the seafarers' families. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) provided regular updates and assistance to the families, including full allotment payments through the manning agency and psychosocial support through the Ugnayan at Tulong para sa Maralitang Pamilya (UGAT) Foundation Inc.
The breakthrough in securing the crew's release came shortly after the announcement of an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal that took effect in January 2025. Philippine Ambassador to Oman Raul Hernandez noted that the timing of the release was strategically linked to the broader regional peace initiatives.
The transfer of the crew members to Omani custody marked a turning point in the crisis. The Philippine Embassy in Muscat immediately took charge of the 17 Filipino seafarers, arranging medical checkups and coordinating their swift return to the Philippines. This transfer was made possible through the crucial mediation role played by the Sultanate of Oman, whose diplomatic efforts were repeatedly acknowledged by both Philippine officials and international partners.
Throughout the crisis, the DFA, on President Marcos' directive, employed quiet diplomacy. "Our successful efforts despite all the challenges prove that quiet diplomacy works," the DFA said in a statement. The department maintained constant communication with government officials of Iran, Oman, Qatar, and Middle Eastern countries, making direct appeals for the seafarers' release.
The breakthrough came with the mediation efforts of the Sultanate of Oman. Philippine Ambassador to Oman Raul Hernandez played a crucial role in the final stages of negotiations, working closely with Omani officials during a Joint Bilateral Consultation Meeting held in the week leading to the release of the hostages.
This diplomatic feat not only reinforced the government's commitment to protecting its overseas workers but strengthened the Philippines' position as a responsible maritime nation. It demonstrated the importance of international cooperation in resolving an international crisis.
The resolution of the crisis earned recognition from international partners. Japan's Foreign Ministry expressed relief and appreciation for the Philippine government's efforts. The US Department of State welcomed the release while emphasizing the need for continued vigilance against maritime threats in the region. Israel's Deputy Chief of Mission to the Philippines, Ester Buzgan, shared in the Philippines' joy: "I know what it's like to feel to have your people been back after more than 400 days being held captive by terrorists, and I can only share my happiness together with you for getting your people back."
The success exemplified a well-coordinated whole-of-government approach that brought together at least four agencies working with the DFA: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) kept regular contact with the seafarers' families; The Department of Health (DOH) provided medical and psychosocial support; The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) coordinated with the manning agency; The Department of Transportation (DOTr) assisted with logistics. Secretary Cacdac said the President's primary directive from day one of the crisis was to take care of the families, which all the agencies working in concert fulfilled.
President Marcos said the incident should serve as a reminder for the government to ensure the protection, safety, and welfare of OFWs, including seafarers, paramount importance. He cited the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which he signed into law weeks before the hostage-taking incident. The law protects Filipino seafarers' rights and overall welfare, promotes their full employment, and ensures equal opportunities in the maritime industry.
As for the 'Courageous 17,' President Marcos instructed the DMW to "help them rise again," and provide comprehensive assistance as they rebuild their lives. The government's comprehensive support package for the returning seafarers, included: Financial assistance from multiple agencies, Medical check-ups and consultations, Post-trauma counseling, Temporary accommodation, Educational assistance for dependents, Livelihood support. During a thanksgiving Mass at the DMW office, Secretary Cacdac acknowledged the resilience of the seafarers throughout their 428-day ordeal, referring to them as the "Courageous 17."
