Protesters gathered along Harbor Drive, demanding answers about the detention and deportation of 26 Filipino seafarers by Customs and Border Protection. Aquilina Soriano Versoza criticized the dehumanizing process the workers faced, emphasizing their prior vetting. The CBP stated the actions were part of operations related to child exploitation material.
Families of three detained Filipino seafarers are urging the Philippine government to seek a fair trial in Algeria. During a press conference, Marie, one of the wives, appealed to President Marcos Jr. for diplomatic intervention, asserting their innocence against wrongful criminalization. The seafarers face a reduced 10-year sentence.
Carnival Cruise Line crew members aboard the Carnival Sunshine have been detained in Norfolk, Virginia, amid accusations of child pornography, as reported by the Pilipino Workers Center. Advocacy director Aquilina Soriano Versoza criticized the detentions, calling them unjustified deportations of migrants who have valid work visas and have not been charged with crimes.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac ensured support for Filipino seafarers repatriated from Malaysia. The crew of vessel MT Krishna 1 received financial aid and skills training vouchers. DMW will investigate the manning agency and shipowner. The repatriation reflects DMW’s commitment to safeguard overseas Filipino workers, the nation’s modern heroes.
