“It is with utmost joy that, after more than a year of captivity in Yemen, I announce the safe release of all seventeen Filipino seafarers, together with the rest of the crewmembers of M/V Galaxy Leader,” President Marcos said in a statement. The seafarers had been held hostage by the Houthi rebels since 2023.
The seafarers are now under the care of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman, and will soon be reunited with their families in the Philippines.
President Marcos expressed his gratitude to His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, and his government for their successful mediation, which facilitated the release and safe passage of the Filipino seafarers through Oman.
The President also commended the efforts of Philippine government agencies and private entities who worked tirelessly with foreign governments and organizations for over 429 days to make this momentous development possible.
The Houthis hijacked the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader near Hodeidah in November 2023 while it was en route to India, taking hostage its 25 crewmembers, including 17 Filipinos. The move was reportedly in retaliation for Israel’s offensive in Gaza, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Following this development, President Marcos emphasized the importance of signing the Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, into law.
He stated that the law aims to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers, promote their full employment, and ensure equal opportunities in the maritime industry—regardless of gender or creed—including equitable access to education, training, and development, consistent with existing domestic and international laws, standards, and conventions.
