The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday credited a “proactive” diplomatic strategy for the successful rescue of distressed Filipinos abroad and the securing of billions in investment pledges during the second half of 2025.
In its year-end report, the DFA highlighted several high-stakes extractions, most notably the January release of 17 Filipino seafarers from the MV Galaxy Leader.
The crew had been held captive by Houthi rebels for over a year. The department noted that the release was achieved through intensive coordination with the government of Oman, which served as a mediator.
Similar diplomatic efforts with Omani authorities led to the release of nine additional Filipino crew members from the MV Eternity C, who were held for five months following a July attack.
Beyond maritime incidents, the DFA reported the repatriation of approximately 700 Filipinos from forced labor “scam hubs” across Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar throughout the year.
The report comes during a period of transition for the department, as Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro recently succeeded Enrique Manalo, who now serves as the Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
The DFA stated that under Lazaro’s leadership, the department actively pursued the country’s diplomatic agenda through bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
Between July and September, Lazaro conducted high-level meetings with officials from Oman, Laos, Croatia, Timor-Leste, and Palestine.
The Philippines also institutionalized maritime dialogues with several key partners, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
The administration’s “summit-level diplomacy” also yielded significant economic results.
Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to the United States in July, the Philippines secured over $21 billion in investment pledges. Additionally, the U.S. reduced tariffs on Philippine goods from 20 percent to 19 percent. State visits to India and Cambodia further expanded cooperation in defense, tourism, and efforts to combat transnational crime.
On the global stage, Lazaro reaffirmed the country’s commitment to a rules-based international order during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September.
Addressing the assembly, Lazaro emphasized that there is “no alternative” to the United Nations and advocated for a global order based on international law and the principle of the sovereign equality of states.
