In a sudden change of plans, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has decided to forgo his trip to Dubai to attend the United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) in order to focus on securing the release of 17 Filipino seafarers taken hostage in the Red Sea.
The President cited “crucial developments” surrounding the hostage situation involving 17 Filipino seafarers held captive in the Red Sea as the primary reason for his absence.
In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), President Marcos expressed his deep concern for the safety and well-being of the captured seafarers. He emphasized the need for immediate action to secure their release and pledged the government’s full support in resolving the crisis.
Instead, Marcos will convene a meeting to facilitate the dispatch of a high-level delegation to Tehran, Iran, to seek assistance in resolving the hostage crisis. The delegation will be led by Environment Secretary Ma. Antonio Yulo-Loyzaga, who will also deliver the country’s statement at COP28 on Marcos’ behalf.
The hostage crisis involving the 17 Filipino seafarers has escalated tensions in the region. The seafarers were among the crewmembers of an Israeli-linked tanker seized by armed individuals in the Gulf of Aden on November 27, 2023.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 30, 2023
