UPDATE: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made the decision to call off his trip to Dubai “in light of important developments” regarding the hostage situation involving 17 Filipino mariners in the Red Sea.
The President was originally scheduled to attend the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai. His aim was to present his administration’s priority climate-related agenda, as well as concerns on energy and food security.
However, just two hours before his scheduled departure, Marcos posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he would not be attending COP28 in Dubai. Instead, he would be convening a meeting to facilitate the dispatch of a high-level delegation to Tehran, Iran, with the aim of providing necessary assistance to the seafarers.
Secretary Ma. Antonio Yulo-Loyzaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will now take over as head of the COP28 delegation and will articulate the country’s statement on behalf of President Marcos.
Further details regarding the Dubai meeting have yet to be released by Malacañang.
Despite President Marcos canceling his trip, cabinet secretaries who are part of the delegation will still proceed with their trip to attend “minister-level” meetings. This includes Secretary Benhur Abalos of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Secretary Alfredo Pascual of the Department of Trade and Industry, Secretary Benjamin Diokno of the Department of Finance, Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of the Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, and Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma of the Department of Labor and Employment.
On November 22, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Yemeni rebels had seized the cargo ship Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea and captured its 25 crew members, including 17 Filipinos, in retaliation for Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
The Galaxy Leader is a Bahamas-flagged, British-owned ship that is operated by a Japanese firm and has links to Israeli businessman Abraham “Rami” Ungar.
President Marcos had previously assured the Philippine government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the mariners, and this decision to dispatch a high-level delegation to Tehran demonstrates his proactive approach in addressing the hostage situation.
It is essential for the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens, especially in situations where they are at risk. By canceling his trip to Dubai and focusing on assisting the seafarers, President Marcos is showing strong leadership and commitment to the welfare of the Filipino people.
As the situation continues to develop, it is crucial for the international community to work together to find a peaceful resolution and ensure the safe return of the captured mariners. The Philippines, along with its allies and partners, will undoubtedly continue to exert all efforts to achieve this outcome.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Filipino mariners and their families during this challenging time. We hope for a swift and safe resolution to the hostage situation.
Source: The Manila Times
