MANILA – Nine Filipino seafarers, held hostage by Yemen-based Houthi militants for nearly five months after their ship was attacked in the Red Sea, landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Thursday evening, December 4, 2025, reuniting with their families just in time for the Christmas holidays. The emotional homecoming, marked by tears of joy and tight embraces, was the culmination of intense diplomatic efforts led by the Philippine government, with the crew’s safe return hailed as a “priceless” victory for migrant worker advocacy.
The group arrived on a special flight from Muscat, Oman, around 9:30 p.m., accompanied by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac. Upon touchdown, they were greeted by a contingent of officials, including representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The seafarers, part of the 22-member crew of the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier M/V Eternity C, had endured harrowing conditions since the vessel’s sinking on July 7, 2025, following a Houthi assault using sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades. Eight crew members were rescued shortly after the attack, but these nine survivors – along with the remains of a deceased colleague – were taken captive by the Iran-backed rebels in Sana’a, Yemen.
Diplomatic Breakthrough and Release
The release was secured through Oman’s pivotal mediation role, in close collaboration with the Philippine DFA. DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro personally championed the case, raising it during a July bilateral meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi and following up in a November phone call. “The release was the outcome of efforts of Oman, in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs,” the DFA stated, expressing deep gratitude to the Sultanate for its neutral brokerage in the conflict zone.
The Houthis, protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza, had demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners and an end to the siege in exchange for the captives. This incident was part of over 100 commercial ship attacks by the group since November 2023, targeting vessels linked to Israel, the U.S., and allies. The M/V Eternity C, carrying 21 Filipinos and one other national, became a tragic flashpoint in the Red Sea crisis, a vital trade route handling 12% of global commerce.
Emotional Reunion and Government Support
Cacdac, who joined the flight from Muscat, described the moment as profoundly moving. “There’s nothing more we want tonight than to watch them reunite with their families. The hugs and the kisses and the tears of joy, talagang priceless ‘yan (those are priceless),” he said. He added, “Today is a day na talagang sarap maging kawani ng pamahalaan to witness all these. (Today is truly a day when it feels great to be a government worker, getting to witness all of this.)”
The seafarers received immediate financial assistance from the DMW and OWWA, along with access to counseling and medical services. A one-stop-shop at NAIA will process their lost documents and government IDs, ensuring a smooth reintegration. Families, many from Iloilo and other seafaring provinces, gathered in anticipation, their vigil a testament to the emotional toll of the ordeal.
Broader Implications and Preventive Measures
The safe return brings closure to a saga that highlighted the perils faced by Filipino seafarers, who comprise 25% of the global merchant fleet. In response, the Philippine government has imposed a ban on Filipinos boarding vessels traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, designated as “war-like zones.” Manning agencies must submit written guarantees of route avoidance, with violations leading to suspensions. “Hopefully this will be the last and we have the necessary policies in place. We suspended the necessary entities dahil walang reporting ng pagdaan sa Red Sea. And hopefully may deterrent factor ‘yung ating disciplinary regulatory authority. (Hopefully this will be the last, and that we now have the necessary policies in place. We have suspended the concerned entities because they failed to report their transit through the Red Sea. And hopefully, our disciplinary regulatory authority will serve as a deterrent.),” Cacdac emphasized.
This incident underscores the human cost of the Red Sea conflict, which has disrupted global shipping and heightened risks for seafarers. With all surviving crew from the M/V Eternity C now home, the focus shifts to healing and prevention, ensuring Filipino mariners can sail safely once more.