The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday said it will ensure livelihood and employment support for the 17 Filipino crew members of M/V Galaxy Leader, who were recently freed after over a year of captivity by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

This followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to help the seafarers and their families rebuild their lives.

“The seafarers and their families received financial assistance, training certificates and gift bags from the DMW, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority,” the DMW said in a statement on Tuesday.

The seafarers dubbed the “Courageous 17,” were welcomed home with a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Fr. Paulo Prigol, CS.