Philippines Working to Free Galaxy Leader Crew after Malaria hospitalization.

The Philippine government is actively working to secure the release of 17 Filipino crew members from the MV Galaxy Leader, a car carrier hijacked by Iranian-backed Houthis in November 2023. The vessel has been held in Yemen since the seizure. Three Filipino sailors are currently hospitalized with malaria symptoms, while the remaining 14 crew members are still on board the ship. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has confirmed that the hospitalized sailors are receiving medical care, and essential amenities are being provided to those remaining on the ship.

During the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that the situation of the 14 remaining crew members is stable. Efforts to release the sick crew members are ongoing, with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) collaborating with governments to maintain communication channels with the Houthi rebels. Honorary Consul to Yemen Mohammad Saleh Al-Jamal is also seeking assistance from Sana’a authorities due to the crew members’ poor health.

The MV Galaxy Leader was seized by Houthi forces near Hodeidah on November 17, 2023, while en route from Turkey to India. The crew consists of 17 Filipinos, three Ukrainians, two Bulgarians, two Mexicans, and one Romanian. The Philippine government, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the DFA, continues to urge for an immediate humanitarian release of the crew. The situation remains challenging due to regional geopolitical tensions and the operations of the Houthis, complicating negotiations in Yemen.

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