The families of three detained Filipino seafarers are urging the Philippine government to appeal for a fair trial from Algeria. During a press conference at the Rizal Park Hotel in Manila, Marie, one of the wives, emphasized the need for President Marcos Jr. to send a formal letter to Algeria, advocating for the release of the seafarers, whom they believe are innocent victims of wrongful criminalization. In February 2026, an Algerian court sentenced the seafarers to 10 years in prison, a reduction from the initial 15-year term.
Despite the court’s ruling, both the Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited, based in Greece, and the Eastern Mediterranean Manning Agency, the local manning agent, maintain that the seafarers are innocent and were merely performing their duties onboard. The families have called for diplomatic intervention from the President and relevant agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), highlighting the broader issue of unjust criminalization faced by Filipino seafarers abroad.
Currently, the three seafarers remain detained in El Berrouaghia prison, approximately 100 km south of Algiers. Notably, the ship’s captain, a European national, was not arrested or tried, raising questions about accountability under the principle of command responsibility. While five other Filipino crew members were allowed to return home, the remaining three are still behind bars, facing severe consequences for fulfilling their professional duties.
