Nine Filipino seafarers, who endured a harrowing five-month ordeal after being taken captive by Houthi rebels, have finally returned to the Philippines, expressing joy and relief to be reunited with their families just before Christmas.
Safe Return After Months in Captivity
The crew members of the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier MV Eternity C landed in the country on the night of Thursday, December 5, 2025. Their homecoming marks the end of a traumatic chapter that began in July 2025, when Houthi forces attacked their vessel in the volatile waters of the Red Sea.
Despite the challenges they faced, the mood was overwhelmingly positive upon their arrival. Jasmine Gapatan, Deputy Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), confirmed the seafarers' upbeat disposition in a television interview on Friday.
"They are happy to be with their families, and they are able to return safely before Christmas... They are in high spirits," Gapatan stated, highlighting the emotional significance of their timely return for the holiday season.
Government Rolls Out Comprehensive Support Package
To welcome the returning heroes, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) hosted a special Thanksgiving Mass and a lunch for the seafarers and their loved ones on Friday. This gesture was just the beginning of a structured support system designed to help them recover and rebuild their lives.
Gapatan outlined the extensive range of government programs and assistance now available to the nine Filipinos. The aid package is comprehensive and includes:
- Financial assistance for immediate needs.
- Psychosocial and medical support to address trauma.
- Reintegration programs to ease their transition back to normal life.
- Job referrals and business counseling for future livelihood.
- Financial literacy training to empower their long-term stability.
Commitment to Full Recovery and Reintegration
The OWWA official emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to the welfare of the repatriated workers. "We have many mechanisms in government to assist them. They can just tell us what they want, and we will give it to them. We will help them until they can get back on their feet," Gapatan assured.
This pledge underscores a holistic approach to overseas Filipino worker (OFW) care, focusing not just on rescue but on sustained recovery. The safe return of the MV Eternity C crew serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by Filipino seafarers globally and the critical role of state agencies in providing a safety net for the nation's modern-day heroes.
