The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday night called for the immediate release of the crew of MV Galaxy Leader held captive by the Houthi group since November 2023.
The department renewed its call on the occasion of the 2024 World Maritime Day as it recognized the contribution of Filipino seafarers to “global peace and prosperity”.
“We take this opportunity to again echo the call of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Security Council, among others, for respect for the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms, and for the immediate release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew,” it said.
The Houthis hijacked the cargo vessel while it was sailing in the Red Sea near Hodeidah last November and held hostage its 25 crew members, including 17 Filipinos.
The Red Sea had been under assault since the Israel-Hamas war broke out in October 2023, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels relentlessly targeting Israel-linked commercial vessels.
Meanwhile, the DFA thanked the global maritime sector for acknowledging the rights of seafarers to refuse to sail in designated high-risk areas.
“As we celebrate World Maritime Day, the Philippines calls on all States and stakeholders to reaffirm and mobilize action on their commitments towards promoting a safe, secure and sustainable maritime sector,” it said.
“And let us all continue to advocate for the rights and welfare of our seafarers, ensuring that they are treated fairly, with dignity, and with respect,” it added.
On top of mariners’ rights, the DFA also affirmed its commitment to the preservation of the marine environment through the continuous promotion of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea “as the constitution of the ocean”.
DMW joins release appeal
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has joined calls for the release of Filipino crew members of MV Galaxy Leader, held in captivity by Houthi rebels since November 2023.
In an interview during the “Alay sa Marinong Pilipino” event on Friday at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said they are working very closely with the DFA on the release.
Meanwhile, in compliance with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., he said that the DMW has been meeting with the families of the 17 Filipino seafarers to assist them and give them updates.
“Just yesterday we had our 24th meeting with the families and we have been hand-holding them through this process until the safe release of their loved ones on board the Galaxy leader,” he said.
Cacdac assured that the Filipino crew members are safe and in good health.
He also expressed gratitude to the International Red Cross which recently visited the group and assured that they were okay.
“About a couple of months ago two of them contracted malaria but as of the visit yesterday or two days ago by the International Red Cross, they are safe and sound in terms of their health,” he said.
However, Cacdac said that the government still hopes for the release of the Filipino seafarers. (PNA)
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