APD | Seven Filipino crewmen now enroute to Manlia

By APD writer Melo M. Acuna

MANILA, March. 11 (APD) – The Department of Foreign Affairs said the seven detained Filipino seafarers accused of fuel smuggling in Libya have been ordered released and now on their way to Manila.

In a statement, the seven crewmembers of M/T (Motor Tanker) Levante, left Tripoli with Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers Affairs Abdullah Mamao.

He flew to Libya on instructions of President Rodrigo Duterte and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. to personally thank Libyan authorities and bring them home.

Secretary Locsin welcomed the acquittal of the seven seafarers held in Libyan custody since 2017.  The seven were sentenced to four years in prison in November for allegedly attempting to smuggle 16 million liters of fuel.  

Presidential Adviser Abdullah Mamao, (fourth from left) pose with the seven crewmen released from Libyan jail. The high Court ordered their release. /DFA Photo

Last February 28, the Libyan High Court ordered the release of the seven.  They were among the 20 Filipinos taken into custody after the Libyan Coast Guard boarded and sized the Liberian-flagged tanker while it was anchored in international waters.  Authorities released 13 crew members in February last year but charged the remaining seven.  

The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli have been working for the released of the seven who consistently denied the charges.

Secretary Locsin expressed his appreciation to Libyan authorities for ordering the release of the seven.  He also appealed for the release of the seven together with labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III and Secretary Mamao.  

(Top image: Libyan Foreign Minister Taher Siala (extreme right) receives Presidential Adviser Abdullah Mamao (second from right) who personally brought Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr.'s letter of appreciation for the release of seven Filipino crewmen. Secretary Mamao was accompanied by foreign officials from Philippine embassies in Tripoli and Kuwait. /DFA Photo)

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)