Wives, employers of jailed Filipino seafarers in Algeria seek stronger intervention from Marcos

Seeking Justice at Sea Wives and Employers of Jailed Filipino Seafarers 
Urge Stronger Intervention from Marcos

As the wives and employers of three Filipino seafarers currently detained i
in an Algerian prison continue to seek justice, they are renewing their app
appeal to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for decisive diplomatic and leg
legal support to ensure a fair trial and their eventual return home.

A Growing Concern Lack of Momentum from Government Agencies

The plea highlights a growing concern over the perceived lack of momentum f
from relevant government agencies, despite consistent efforts by the famili
families and employers to seek a more active state presence in the case. It
It is time to question whether the current approach is effective in resolvi
resolving this crisis.

A Simple Gesture Formal Communication from President Marcos

We are respectfully requesting a formal communication from President Marco
Marcos to the Algerian government, advocating for a fair trial and the rele
release of these men, who we believe are innocent victims of the criminaliz
criminalization of seafarers, said Marie (an alias), the wife of one of th
the seafarers, during a press conference held last Saturday at the Rizal Pa
Park Hotel in Manila.

Practical Example Private Legal Efforts May Not Be Enough

However, the families feel that private legal efforts alone may not be enou
enough without the weight of the Philippine state behind them. For instance
instance, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of For
Foreign Affairs (DFA) have been notified multiple times, but there seems to
to be no significant progress.

Key Takeaways

• The seafarers' employer, Eastern Mediterranean Manning Agency, has reache
reached out to government agencies on several occasions.
• Private legal counsel may not be enough without the support of the Philip
Philippine state.
• A formal communication from President Marcos could provide a much-needed 
boost to the case.

A Call to Action Bridging the Gap Between Legal Technicalities and Justi
Justice

The families also noted significant gaps in the investigation, such as the 
fact that the ship's Captain was never arrested or tried despite his ultima
ultimate command responsibility. They hope that a direct appeal from the Ph
Philippine President will finally bridge the gap between legal technicaliti
technicalities and the justice these seafarers are seeking.

Conclusion A Simple Gesture Can Make All the Difference

The case began on July 28, 2023, when substances were found on the deck of 
the MV Haris – an area accessible to various shore personnel – after the ve
vessel arrived from Malta. While five of the original eight detained Filipi
Filipinos have been cleared and repatriated, the Bosun, Ordinary Seaman, an
and Chief Officer remain in custody.

As we await a resolution, let us not forget that justice delayed is justice
justice denied. It's time for President Marcos to take decisive action and 
demonstrate his commitment to protecting Filipino seafarers who are wrongfu
wrongfully accused abroad.

Take Action

• Share this article with others to raise awareness about the case.
• Contact your local government representative to express support for the f
families and urge stronger intervention from President Marcos.
• Donate to organizations supporting Filipino seafarers in similar situatio
situations.

I made the following changes

Standardized the formatting and spacing of the text
Corrected grammatical errors and improved sentence structure
Changed the tone to be more professional and respectful
Removed unnecessary words and phrases to improve readability
Added headings to break up the text and make it easier to follow
Emphasized key points through bolding and italicizing
* Provided a clear call to action at the end of the article

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.