Headline
17 Filipino seafarers to arrive home Thursday night: DFA
By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency
A whole-of-government team welcomes the 17 Filipino crew members of M/V Galaxy Leader who were held captive for more than a year in Yemen. (Photo: Department of Migrant Workers/Facebook)
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega told the Philippine News Agency that the 17 are scheduled to arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 9:30 p.m.
De Vega said the DFA shouldered the seafarers’ expenses for pocket money when they arrived in Oman as well as their repatriation.
“The Department is working on their immediate repatriation to Manila so that they could reunite with their long-suffering families as soon as possible,” the DFA said in a statement.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. confirmed Thursday morning the release of the 17 crew members who were held hostage by the Houthis together with eight other foreign seafarers.
The DFA, meanwhile, conveyed its gratitude to the support and mediation efforts of the Sultanate of Oman that made the release possible.
“Our successful efforts despite all the challenges prove that quiet diplomacy works. The men and women of the Department of Foreign Affairs will remain true to our calling to serve our country and people,” it said.
Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva said the release of the 17 Filipino crew demonstrated the government’s commitment to the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the importance of international cooperation.
“This is a testament to the unwavering diplomatic efforts of President Bongbong Marcos through the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW),” Villanueva said in a statement.
He also lauded the establishment of the DMW, citing its role in expediting assistance to OFWs in crisis situations.
“To our OFWs and their families, we wish for your continued safety and protection. Rest assured, we will continue working in your best interests,” Villanueva said.
Speaker Martin Romualdez lauded President Marcos and his administration for their “tireless dedication” to secure the freedom of the Filipino seafarers.
“This milestone is a testament to the President’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Filipino workers worldwide,” Romualdez said.
“It is with immense gratitude that we commend President Marcos and his administration for their tireless dedication to securing the freedom of our brave Filipino seafarers from the M/V Galaxy Leader,” Romualdez said in a statement.
The Speaker expressed solidarity with the families of the seafarers and emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving their safe release. “
“Their safe return is a triumph for their families and the entire Filipino nation. This moment of joy is a reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration, perseverance, and diplomacy,” he added.
Romualdez also reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to safeguarding the welfare of OFWs through legislative measures.
He cited the recently enacted Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, as a significant step in protecting the rights, safety, and welfare of Filipino maritime professionals.
TINGOG Partylist Representative Jude Acidre, chairperson of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, also hailed the release as a moment of joy for the Filipino nation.
“I join the entire nation in expressing heartfelt joy and relief at the safe release of all 17 Filipino seafarers, together with the rest of the crewmembers of M/V Galaxy Leader, after more than a year of captivity in Yemen,” Acidre said.
He extended his congratulations to President Marcos and Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac for their leadership in navigating the complex mission.
Acidre also acknowledged the critical role played by the Philippine Embassy in Muscat and the Omani government, led by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
“This successful endeavor is a testament to our commitment to uphold the rights and welfare of every Filipino overseas, ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said. (with a report from Filane Cervantes/PNA)
For his part, Bishop Ruperto Santos, vice chairperson of the Catholics Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI), expressed gratitude to all those who prayed for the release of the 17 Filipino seafarers.
“With hearts brimming with immense joy and overwhelming relief, we at Stella Maris-Philippines, celebrate the safe release of our 17 courageous Filipino seafarers, alongside their fellow crew members of the M/V Galaxy Leader,” said Santos in a pastoral message on Thursday.
“Their return is not only a reflection of their resilience but a miraculous answer to our fervent prayers,” he added.
The Antipolo prelate urged the faithful to show their love and support to the returning Filipino workers.
“Our seafarers ordeal reminds us of the profound strength found in faith. Each night spent in captivity, every whispered prayer, and each hopeful dawn they faced were markers of their unyielding spirit and the collective love and prayers of our community. This joyful homecoming is a powerful testament to the boundless grace of God and the compassionate hearts of people near and far who have kept them in their prayers,” Santos said. (With reports from Wilnard Bacelonia and Ferdinand Patinio/Filane Cervantes/PNA)
