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Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo, CBCP Bishop Promoter of Stella Maris-Philippines. (Diocese of Antipolo via CBCP News)Stella Maris-Philippines is celebrating the safe return of 17 Filipino seafarers who were held captive in Yemen for more than a year.
The crew members of the M/V Galaxy Leader arrived back in the Philippines on Thursday, the Department of Migrant Workers confirmed.
Bishop Ruperto Santos, the organization’s CBCP bishop promoter, described their release as a miraculous answer to prayers and a testament to the resilience of the seafarers.
“Their release brings joy and gratitude to our hearts and renews our faith in the power of prayer and divine intervention,” Santos said.
“This joyful homecoming is a powerful testament to the boundless grace of God and the compassionate hearts of people near and far who have kept them in their prayers,” he said.
As the seafarers reintegrate into their communities, the bishop called on the public to offer them support, understanding, and care.
The organization also expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and efforts that contributed to their release.
The seafarers were captured and held hostage by Houthi rebels in November 2023 while aboard the M/V Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea.
The rebels took the 25-member crew, including 17 Filipinos, in retaliation for Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
The deal covers a six-week ceasefire in Gaza, with negotiations for extension expected to begin in the coming weeks.
