The seventeen Filipino seafarers of M/V Galaxy Leader have safely returned to the Philippines after being held captive by the Houthi rebels while sailing near Yemen, a situation that lasted for fourteen months.

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The Filipinos arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 from Oman via Oman Air 843 last night, January 23, 2024, at exactly 9:31 PM.

They were welcomed by government officials led by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Health Secretary Teodoro Bautista, along with other government officials.

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The release of the Filipinos was facilitated through the negotiations of the Sultanate of Oman with the Houthi rebels during a ceasefire in Gaza. This action was based on the request of the Philippine government.

The Sultanate of Oman immediately sent the freed seafarers home after their release.

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(Photos from the Department of Migrant Workers)