The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is working on the appeal for the release of 17 Filipino crew members of the MV Galaxy Leader, with particular concern over three crew members hospitalized with malaria symptoms.
DMW Secretary, Hans Leo Cacdac, confirmed that while the hospitalized seafarers are receiving medical care, the other 14 are still aboard the vessel and are reported to be safe and provided for.
Some types of malaria can cause severe illness and death. Infants, children under 5 years, pregnant women, travellers and people with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk. Severe symptoms include:
- extreme tiredness and fatigue
- impaired consciousness
- multiple convulsions
- difficulty breathing
- dark or bloody urine
- jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- abnormal bleeding.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is coordinating efforts with governments that have communication channels with the Houthi rebels to facilitate the release of the crew members.
The MV Galaxy Leader was hijacked in November 2023 near Hodeidah while en route to India, with the crew’s captivity being linked to broader geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in Gaza.
I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate my strong condemnation of attacks against international shipping in the area and call for an immediate release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew.
.. Arsenio Dominguez the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization has recently stated.
Meanwhile, the three remaining Filipino seafarers from the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, which was seized in April, have been released by Iranian authorities.
