Four Filipino seafarers have finally returned home to the Philippines after enduring weeks of captivity. They were among the crew kidnapped by pirates from the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker CGAS Saturn in the perilous Gulf of Guinea in early December 2025.
Safe Return After Weeks of Captivity
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) confirmed the successful repatriation of the four Filipino nationals. They arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on December 30, 2025, aboard Qatar Airways Flight QR932. Their homecoming marks the end of a harrowing ordeal that lasted nearly a month.
In a social media announcement, OWWA stated, "The four Filipino seafarers of the LPG tanker CGAS Saturn have safely returned to the country after several weeks of captivity." The agency emphasized that the government's primary focus is now on the well-being and recovery of the repatriated workers.
Government Pledges Full Support for Recovery
The Philippine government, through OWWA, has committed to providing comprehensive assistance to the returning seafarers. This support is designed to help them overcome the trauma of their experience and reintegrate into their families and communities.
"Upon their return, the government is ready to provide the necessary support, including immediate financial aid and other needed assistance for their recovery," OWWA added in its statement. This aid package is a standard part of the government's response to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in crisis situations.
Details of the Pirate Attack and Release
The incident that led to their kidnapping occurred in early December 2025. Armed pirates attacked the LPG carrier CGAS Saturn while it was navigating the Gulf of Guinea, a region notoriously dangerous for maritime piracy. A total of nine seafarers were abducted during the assault.
By the latter part of the same month, all nine kidnapped crew members had been released. International efforts, often involving negotiations, typically secure the freedom of hostages in such cases. Following their release, immediate repatriation procedures were set in motion to bring them home as quickly as possible.
The safe return of these four Filipinos highlights the persistent dangers faced by the global maritime workforce, particularly in high-risk areas. It also underscores the critical role of government agencies like OWWA in safeguarding and assisting overseas workers during emergencies.
