MANILA, Philippines — All 17 Filipino sailors held captive by Houthi rebels for 429 days have been repatriated to the Philippines.

In a PNA report, it said that the 17 seafarers arrived via an Oman Air flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport past 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

“The long wait is over. Our prayers were answered. I join the Filipino nation in welcoming back to the Philippines the 17 Filipino hostages. Their pleasant disposition, resilience in spirit and strength as a team saw them through this most difficult ordeal,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said. 

In a press conference upon their arrival, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega said that all 17 of them arrived safe and sound, and have finally reunited with their families who were also at the airport to welcome them, the report noted. 

“They seem alright but hindi basta basta na papauwiin sila kasi we have to see how they are talaga. Some were crying (but we cannot send them home immediately until we make sure how they really are),” he said.

Philippine Ambassador to Oman Raul Hernandez revealed that the seafarers were released a few days after the Israel-Hamas ceasefire was declared.

Following their transfer to Oman, the Philippine Embassy promptly assumed custody of the 17 crew members of M/V Galaxy Leader.

The sailors underwent a medical examination, verified their documents, and immediately arranged their flights back home, he said.

The DFA previously expressed its gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman for its support and mediation efforts, which facilitated the seafarers’ release.

On January 22, the Houthis freed the 17 Filipino seafarers, along with eight other foreign nationals, as part of their commitment to the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

The Bahamas-flagged cargo vessel was en route from Turkey to India when it was intercepted and seized by Houthi fighters on November 19, 2023.