Seafarer wives appeal to PBBM re unjust detention, criminalization of Filipino seafarers in Algeria

Seafarer wives appeal to PBBM re unjust detention, criminalization of Filipino seafarers in Algeria
April 21, 2026 https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/04/21/seafarer-wives-appeal-to-pbbm-r...

MANILA – The families of the three Filipino seafarers currently detained in Algeria are appealing to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to extend urgent diplomatic and legal intervention to ensure a fair trial 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 the local authorities discovered several parcels containing approximately 35.8 kg of cocaine onboard the commercial vessel, CV Harris, while alongside at the port of Algiers, Algeria.

In February 2026, the Algerian court has issued a penalty of 10 years imprisonment to the detained Filipinos, a reduced sentence from the supposed 15 years.

Despite the outcome, both the Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited, Greece-based Principal, and the Eastern Mediterranean Manning Agency, the local Manning Agent in the Philippines of the said crew, and their families firmly believe that the seafarers are innocent and have been wrongfully accused without any evidence whatsoever. They assert that the seafarers were simply performing their duties on board and had no involvement in the alleged offense.

In a press conference held last Saturday, April 18, the wives of the three detained seafarers appealed to the President and relevant agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), to extend diplomatic intervention.

They also called for 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 the Eastern Mediterranean, namely, Capt. Georgios Chronakis, Marine Personnel Manager, and Capt. Ioannis Gogos, Owner’s Representative.

Eastern Mediterranean currently operates 84 vessels and employs over 3,000 Filipino seafarers, comprising more than 95% of the company’s total crew complement.

The Principal and the Manning Agent, since the seafarers’ imprisonment, have been continuously providing legal, financial, medical, and moral support to the families.

The decision of the Supreme Court is expected to be released within the next few months, with the final trial expected to be scheduled by October. As of this writing, the three Filipino seafarers remain detained at El Berrouaghia prison, which is located approximately 100 km South of the city capital of Algiers.

CASE BACKGROUND

Initial investigation conducted by the Algerian authorities revealed that the illegal substances were found on July 28, 2023, on the ship’s deck — an area that is also accessible to shore personnel who board the ship.

Eight Filipino crew members were initially detained at El Harach and later at Berrouaghia prison in Algeria, following this discovery. After legal proceedings, only five of the eight were released.

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

KEY CONCERNS

The seafarers’ wives pointed out glaring inconsistencies in the handling of the case, including:

* The ship captain (European national) 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 other three were ordered to remain behind bars simply for doing their job onboard the ship.

* All crew members have clean criminal records, but they were convicted of being part of an international criminal group without any evidence.