MANILA – Families of three Filipino seafarers currently detained in Algeria are appealing to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to extend urgent diplomatic and legal intervention following the recent adverse ruling issued by the Algerian Court.

The said seafarers are part of the eight Filipino crew members arrested on July 28, 2023, after authorities discovered 35.8 kilos of cocaine onboard commercial vessel, MV Harris, in Algeria.

Last February, the Algerian court has issued a penalty of 10 years imprisonment to the detain Filipinos, a reduced sentence from the supposed 15 years.

Despite the outcome, both the Eastern Mediterranean Manning Agency, the Philippine-based employer of said crew, and their families firmly believe that the seafarers are innocent and have been wrongfully accused. They assert that the seafarers were simply performing their duties onboard and had no involvement in the alleged offense.

In a press conference held last Saturday, April 18, the spouses of the detained seafarers appealed to the president and relevant agencies including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), to extend diplomatic intervention.

They also called for the industry awareness on the alarming issue of unjust criminalization of Filipino seafarers who are often made to bear unfair liability in smuggling and drug-related cases abroad.

The families were joined by officials from Eastern Mediterranean, namely, Capt. Georgios Chronakis, Marine Personnel Manager, and Capt. Ioannis Gogos, Owner’s Representative.

Eastern Mediterranean operates 84 vessels and employs over 3,000 Filipino seafarers, comprising more than 90% of the company’s total crew complement.

The manning agency, since the seafarers’ imprisonment, has continued to provide legal, financial, and moral support to the families.

Next court proceedings are expected as early as June, with the final trial scheduled at Algeria’s Supreme Court this October. As of this writing, the men remain detained in an Algerian jail.

CASE BACKGROUND

Initial investigations conducted by Algerian authorities reveal that illegal substances were found last July 28, 2023 on the ship’s deck — an area freely accessible to passengers and shore personnel who board the ship. Prior to this, the vessel came from Valetta, Malta.

Eight Filipino crew members and two foreign ship officers were detained in Berrouaghia, Algeria, following this discovery. After legal proceedings, five of the eight were released.

The detained seafarers are identified as the ship’s Bosun, Ordinary Seaman, and Chief Officer.

KEY CONCERNS

The seafarers’ spouses pointed out glaring inconsistencies in the handling of the case, to include:

  • The Croatian ship captain was completely excluded from arrest and trial, despite the long-standing principle of command responsibility that holds the highest-ranking officer fully accountable for all matters and activities onboard a vessel.

  • Out of the eight Filipino crew members involved, five were allowed to return to the Philippines, while the three were ordered to remain behind bars.

    ENDS.

    Source: Ms. Y. L. Reyes 

    AI. AI was not used in this article.

    Photo Credit: Ms. Y. L. Reyes 

    Contact: If you have any questions, please write to Name: Ms. Y. L. Reyes Position: Liaison Officer Contact Number: 09687030314

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