Families of 3 seafarers in Algerian prison seek Marcos’ help

The Ultimate Guide Families of Three Seafarers in Algerian Prison Seek M
Marco's Help

As international maritime law continues to evolve, a heart-wrenching tale o
of injustice has unfolded in an Algerian prison. The families of three Fili
Filipino seafarers, arrested and detained since July 2023, are now making a
a desperate plea to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for urgent diplomatic
diplomatic intervention.

The Ordeal Begins

On July 28, 2023, the crew members – Chief Officer, Bosun, and Ordinary Sea
Seaman – were on board the vessel CV Harris when Algerian authorities disco
discovered 35.8 kilograms of cocaine on the ship's deck. Despite maintainin
maintaining their innocence, these three seafarers remain held at the El Be
Berrouaghia Prison, with no concrete evidence linking them to the crime.

The Unfair Sentence

While five other Filipino crew members were eventually released and repatri
repatriated, the Chief Officer, Bosun, and Ordinary Seaman were sentenced t
to 15 years. In a subsequent hearing in February 2026, their sentence was r
reduced to 10 years. However, the families and Eastern Mediterranean, the m
manning agency that employs over 3,000 Filipinos, argue that even this redu
reduced sentence is a grave injustice for men who were simply performing th
their duties.

The Emotional Toll

During a press conference on April 18, the wives of the detainees broke dow
down as they described the emotional toll of the prolonged detention. They 
highlighted significant gaps in the legal process, noting that the ship's E
European captain was never charged despite holding command responsibility. 
The families expressed gratitude for the support of the Department of Migra
Migrant Workers (DMW) but emphasized that only a government-to-government
government-to-government appeal can ensure a fair outcome during the fina
final Supreme Court trial this October.

The Global Trend Criminalization of Seafarers

This case has become a focal point for the growing trend of criminalizing s
seafarers – a global phenomenon where maritime workers are held liable for 
illegal activities on their vessels without proof of involvement. Eastern M
Mediterranean reaffirmed its belief in the crew's innocence, citing their c
clean records and the lack of proof connecting them to any criminal syndica
syndicate.

The Final Appeal

As the final appeal looms, the maritime community and the families of the 
CV Harris 3 are looking to President Marcos Jr. to champion their rights 
and bring them home. The situation has reached a critical stage, where only
only a concerted effort from the government can ensure a fair outcome for t
these innocent seafarers.

The Way Forward

In this tumultuous environment, it is crucial that we prioritize the welfar
welfare of these families and work towards a solution that upholds justice 
and fairness. By supporting the CV Harris 3 and promoting transparency in
in maritime law, we can create a more just and equitable world for seafarer
seafarers everywhere.

Key Takeaways

• The Algerian authorities discovered 35.8 kilograms of cocaine on the vess
vessel CV Harris, leading to the arrest and detention of three Filipino sea
seafarers.
• Despite maintaining their innocence, the Chief Officer, Bosun, and Ordina
Ordinary Seaman were sentenced to 15 years, later reduced to 10 years.
• The families and Eastern Mediterranean argue that this sentence is a grav
grave injustice for men who were simply performing their duties.
• The case has become a focal point for the criminalization of seafarers 
– a global trend where maritime workers are held liable for illegal activit
activities on their vessels without proof of involvement.
• The final appeal looms, and the families are looking to President Marcos 
Jr. to champion their rights and bring them home.

Conclusion

As we navigate the complexities of international maritime law, it is essent
essential that we prioritize justice, fairness, and transparency. The pligh
plight of the CV Harris 3 serves as a poignant reminder of the need for c
collective action in promoting the welfare of seafarers everywhere. By supp
supporting these innocent men and advocating for change, we can create a mo
more just and equitable world for all.

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importance of collective action.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.