00:00There's no easy way negotiating with terrorist groups, yet somehow, someway, the Philippine
00:06government led by the president managed to keep the 17 Filipino seafarers abducted at
00:12sea by the Houthi rebels in November 2023, safe and sound, until their release less than
00:1848 hours ago.
00:20The 17 seafarers are on their way back home, thanks in large part to the intercession of
00:26the Sultan of Oman as we hear the full report from our Kenneth Paciente.
00:36After more than a year, 17 Filipino seafarers have finally been freed after being abducted
00:42by Houthi rebels in November 2023.
00:45President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. announced this development through a statement on his
00:49social media accounts.
00:51He said that the Filipino seafarers are now under the care of the Philippine Embassy in
00:55Muscat, Oman, and are expected to be reunited with their families in the Philippines soon.
01:00The president also expressed gratitude to the government of Oman and its Sultan for
01:05their efforts to make this development possible.
01:07He also commended the efforts of Philippine government agencies and private sectors that
01:11worked with foreign governments non-stop for 429 days to achieve this outcome.
01:17In November 2023, Houthi rebels hijacked the MV Galaxy Leader while on its way to India,
01:23taking 25 crew members hostage, including 17 Filipinos.
01:27Since the incident, President Marcos, Jr. has closely monitored the hostages' situation
01:32and ensured their safety.
01:34He even canceled his attendance at the Climate Change Convention in Dubai in November of
01:382023 to focus on this matter.
01:41Meanwhile, President Marcos, Jr. also emphasized the importance of the Magna Carta of Filipino
01:45seafarers.
01:46And these just-released seafarers are living examples of the very reason for the recently
01:51signed law.
01:52He pointed out this law ensures the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers, including
01:57equal employment opportunities and access to education and training in accordance with
02:01international standards.
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