By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday announced that the nine Filipino seafarers who had been held by Houthi forces in Yemen are returning to the Philippines, commending the close cooperation between the Philippines and Oman that led to their release.
In a video message, Marcos said the Filipino survivors arrived in Oman on Wednesday and were received by officials from the Philippine Embassy in Muscat and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
After a brief processing of documents, they were cleared to return home immediately, Marcos added.
“Magandang araw po sa inyong lahat. Mayroon po akong ihahatid na magandang balita. ‘Yung siyam na marino na ating kababayan ay naligtas mula sa lumubog na barko, ‘yung MV Eternity C, sa Red Sea noong Hulyo at sila’y binihag ng mga Houthi sa Yemen. Sila po ay pauwi na,” Marcos said.
The President expressed gratitude to the Department of Foreign Affairs, DMW, and Philippine Embassy in Oman for their key role in the safe release and return of the Filipino seafarers.
He thanked the Omani government for its “tireless assistance” in securing the seafarers’ release.
He also acknowledged Sultan Haitham bin Tariq for Oman’s continued support for and friendship with the Philippines.
Marcos said the timing of the repatriation is meaningful as the seafarers will be reunited with their families before Christmas.
“Hindi na natin pinatagal. Gustong-gusto na siguro nila umuwi Paskong-pasko pa. Kaya’t pinauwi na natin at parating na rin dito sa Pilipinas (We didn’t delay them any further. I’m sure they were eager to come home, especially with Christmas approaching. So, we sent them home right away, and they are now on their way back to the Philippines),” he said.
Marcos also extended his condolences to the family of Neil Roy Faner, a Filipino crew member who died when the vessel was attacked.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the Filipino seafarers’ safety and welfare, acknowledging the risk they face as they navigate conflict zones around the world.
The seafarers were among the crew of the M/V Eternity C, which sank in the Red Sea in July after being attacked.
They were taken captive and held in Yemen for months before being turned over to Omani authorities earlier this week.
