Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

9 Filipino seafarers from the MV Eternity C, a carrier attacked by Houthi rebels off the west coast of Yemen in the Red Sea last July 7 have safely arrived at the NAIA Terminal 1, around 9:03 p.m., December 4, via Oman Air WY 843.  📷 DMW

Article (news)

Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764896352931Screen Shot 2025-12-05 at 8.58.31 AM_cropped_processed_by_imagy.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">9 Filipino seafarers from the MV Eternity C, a carrier attacked by Houthi rebels off the west coast of Yemen in the Red Sea last July 7 have safely arrived at the NAIA Terminal 1, around 9:03 p.m., December 4, via Oman Air WY 843.  📷 DMW</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>MANILA — The 9 remaining Filipino seafarers held captive by Houthi rebels in Yemen arrived safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 at 9:03 p.m. Thursday.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/12/4/filipino-survivors-of-ship-sunk-by-yemen-s-houthis-released-rebel-media-0913">Filipino survivors of ship sunk by Yemen&#x27;s Houthis released: rebel media</a></div><p>They were part of the crew of MV Eternity C, a Liberian- flagged bulk carrier attacked by Houthi rebels off the west coast of Yemen in the Red Sea last July 7.</p><p>The first batch, which consisted of 8 seafarers, were repatriated last July. This is now the second and last batch of the seafarers.</p><p>MV Eternity C carried 21 Filipino crew. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/2/9-filipino-seafarers-held-by-houthis-to-be-released-transferred-to-oman-from-yemen-dfa-2315">9 Filipinos held by Houthis to be released, transferred to Oman from Yemen: DFA</a></div><p>“Merong tatlo na nasawi, &#x27;Yung fourth one is indeed missing… hindi nahanap. Ang narrative sa kanya ay tumalon siya from the ship at hindi na siya nahanap,&quot; said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac in a press conference after the seafarers&#x27; arrival.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>HOMECOMING</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Cacdac together with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Health (DOH), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and other government agencies, welcomed the seafarers as they reunited with their families.</p><p>“They were flown through a military aircraft from Sana’a… it was about a 2 hour 45 minute travel,” he said. </p><p>The plane landed at a military air base in Muscat around 9:30 p.m.</p><p>“We were treated very well… We were given a chance to personally meet [them] doon sa tarmac mismo. Pagbaba nila, sinalubong na namin ‘yung siyam as they were descending.”</p><p>Cacdac described the moment as deeply moving.</p><p>&quot;Of course, to see them and talk to them doon pa lang sa pagdating… we’re so very thankful for that.”</p><p>Cacdac also highlighted the hospitality of Omani authorities.</p><p>&quot;The cordiality and the hospitality of the Omanis ay ganoon na lamang… I’m really so appreciative of what they have done.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>MEDIATION EFFORTS</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>The DMW chief said the homecoming was especially touching because government teams had spent months assisting the families.</p><p>“Nakilala na rin namin ‘yung mga pamilya over the last five months… nararamdaman na namin ‘yung pain… longing, impatience at mga emotions ng families, ‘yung spouses ng siyam na tripulante,” he said.</p><p>DFA Undersecretary Ezzedine Tago, who was also present to welcome the seafarers, said the operation showcased the strength of international cooperation.</p><p>Their release was secured through mediation efforts led by the Sultanate of Oman.</p><p>“This is really an outcome of the joint effort of various government agencies… We are glad that everything fell in place. This is proof of hard work in cooperation with our friends, in this case, the Sultanate of Oman.”</p><p>DOH Assistant Secretary Gloria Balboa said health teams had already conducted medical and psychological assessments. She assured the public that any further treatment will be fully supported.</p><p>“Kung kinakailangan pa nila ng further mental health support… meron po tayong crisis hotline na 1553. Hindi natin dapat tawaran ‘yung kanilang pinagdaanan—trauma, stress.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>FAMILIES</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Cacdac said the crew appeared in good physical and emotional shape but still require counseling.</p><p>“My general observation is they are in good spirits… they’re all physically fit… all excited to come home,” he said.</p><p>The remains of one deceased seafarer were transported alongside the rescued men from Sana’a to Oman. Documentation for his return is being expedited.</p><p>Cacdac also explained that throughout the five months, extensive assistance was provided. </p><p>“We’ve conducted house visits and counseling to the families… ang pinakamahalagang assistance diyan, ‘yung being by their side and guiding them in the psychosocial areas,” he said.</p><p>He added that many families had young children.</p><p>“Halos lahat sila may mga menor de edad na anak… importante that they feel the presence of the government.”</p><p>The DMW also intervened to ensure wages were delivered.</p><p>“Pinatawag namin ‘yung agency… ‘That’s the least you could do, give them the timely wages.’”</p><p>Cacdac warned that any future violations of shipping companies would result in suspension.</p><p>“Huwag kayong magsubok… sususpendihin namin kayo, ihihinto namin ang deployment ninyo. Ang panawagan natin ngayon… huwag na huwag na pong maulit ito,” he said.</p><p>He emphasized that “punitive measures… should be enough to deter any attempt that will forego or ignore the welfare and safety of our seafarers.”</p><p>The seafarers declined to give an interview with the media and were transported back to their homes together with their families.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kmg-bZxXmAw?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The 9 remaining Filipino seafarers held captive by Houthi rebels in Yemen arrived safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 at 9:03 p.m. Thursday.</p>

The 9 remaining Filipino seafarers held captive by Houthi rebels in Yemen arrived safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 at 9:03 p.m. Thursday.

9 Filipino seafarers freed from Houthi captivity arrive safely in Manila

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9 Filipino seafarers freed from Houthi captivity arrive safely in Manila

Lyza Aquino,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 05, 2025 09:01 AM PHT

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NAIA Terminal 1

DMW

Filipino seafarers

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MV Eternity C

Houthi

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