Manila: The 17 Filipino crew members of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader, who were held captive by Houthi rebels for 14 months, are set to arrive home Thursday night, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official said. 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA shouldered the seafarers’ expenses for pocket money when they arrived in Oman as well as their repatriation. The Department emphasized its commitment to ensuring the immediate repatriation of the seafarers to reunite them with their families. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. confirmed the release of the 17 crew members, who were held hostage alongside eight other foreign seafarers.

The DFA expressed gratitude towards the Sultanate of Oman for their support and mediation efforts, which facilitated the release. The Department highlighted the effectiveness of quiet diplomacy in addressing international crises and reaffirmed its dedication to serving the nation.

Senator Joel Villanueva highlighted the release as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the importance of international cooperation. He praised the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for its role in expediting assistance to OFWs in crisis situations.

Speaker Martin Romualdez commended President Marcos and his administration for their dedication in securing the freedom of the Filipino seafarers. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and diplomacy in achieving the safe return of the seafarers and highlighted recent legislative efforts to protect Filipino maritime professionals.

TINGOG Partylist Representative Jude Acidre joined in expressing joy at the safe release of the seafarers, congratulating President Marcos and DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac for their leadership. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Philippine Embassy in Muscat and the Omani government in the successful mission.

Bishop Ruperto Santos of the Catholics Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines expressed gratitude for the prayers offered for the seafarers’ release. He urged the faithful to support the returning workers, emphasizing the strength found in faith and the power of collective prayer during their ordeal.