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ANIM na Filipino seamen ang pinawalang-sala sa kasong pagpupuslit umano ng ilegal na droga sa Turkey noong Oktubre ng nakaraan taon, ayon kay Kabayan partylist Rep. Ron Salo.
Sa desisyon ng Court of Erigle, ganap nang nabunutan ng tinik sa dibdib ang mga Pinoy crew ng barkong ‘Phoenician M’ sina Eddie Abello, Pather John Bobiles, Junil Dalumpines, Danvis Ruales, John Sulima, and Ariel Carmelo Varga.
“These seafarers have endured a grueling and emotional ordeal. I am very happy that they will finally be going home to be with their families and loved ones after going through such a harrowing and painful experience. Their strength and resilience and truly admirable,” pahayag ng Kabayan partylist solon na tumatayong vice-chairman ng House Committee on Government Reorganization
“This acquittal is not only a victory for the six seafarers but also a reminder of the crucial role our government plays in ensuring justice for every Filipino overseas. We must continue to stand with our Filipino seafarers, whose skills and dedication drive the world’s maritime trade,” dagdag ni Salo, kasabay ng papuri sa Department of Foreign Affairs at Philippine Embassy na nakabase sa Turkey na aniya’y tumutok at tumulong sa mga Pinoy seamen at iba pang migrant workers sa naturang bansa.
Nakatakda nang umuwi ng Pilipinas ang anim na inabswelto bago matapos ang buwang kasalukuyan.
“Since their arrest, the Embassy worked closely with the company’s legal team and hired private lawyers to aid in their defense. Ambassador Henry Bensurto and the Embassy team attended all court hearings, which took place in Erigle, a four-hour drive from Ankara, and regularly visited the seafarers at Sincan Penitentiary. They also kept the seafarers’ families in the Philippines informed throughout the legal process, providing updates on the progress of the case and the condition of their loved ones,” ani Salo.
“The seafarers—Eddie Abello, Pather John Bobiles, Junil Dalumpines, Danvis Ruales, John Sulima, and Ariel Carmelo Vargas—were aboard the Phoenician M when Turkish authorities arrested them under allegations of drug smuggling. However, after months of legal proceedings and strong advocacy by the Philippine government and the Embassy in Turkey, the court ruled in their favor, clearing them of all charges,” paglalahad pa ng ranking House official.
Kinilala rin ni Salo ang mga kaanak ng anim na seafarers — “Their families have been strong pillars throughout this difficult ordeal, standing by their loved ones despite the challenges. Rest assured that your loved ones will be coming home safe and sound.”
Ipinagbigay-alam naman ni Salo na personal na binisita ni Ambassador Bensurto ang anim at iniulat na nasa mabuting kalagayan – “in high spirits, eager to return home.”
Sa pagbabalik sa Pilipinas, ibinahagi rin ni Salo ang kahandaan ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) at Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) na magkaloob ng tulong sa anim kabilang ang medical assistance, counseling, at financial aid para makaagapay sa layuning makabalik sila sa normal na pamumuhay.
“As these seafarers prepare to return home, we celebrate not only their freedom but also the perseverance of everyone who worked tirelessly for their release. I encourage all maritime stakeholders and government agencies to remain steadfast in ensuring that every Filipino worker abroad is given the protection and justice they deserve.”
