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Advocates Philippines
PBBM Skips Trip To Address Hostage Crisis
Photp credit: PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has opted to forgo attending the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai.
The decision is fueled by the unfolding hostage situation involving 17 Filipino seafarers aboard the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea.
President Marcos conveyed on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, "In light of important developments in the hostage situation involving 17 Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea, I have made the decision not to attend COP28 in Dubai tomorrow."
The President revealed plans to convene a meeting aimed at dispatching a high-level delegation to Tehran, Iran, to provide necessary assistance to the seafarers caught in the crisis. The move underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga has been entrusted by President Marcos to lead the COP28 delegation and articulate the country's statement on his behalf.
Prior to this decision, President Marcos assured the Filipino people that the government is actively engaged in efforts to secure the release of the 17 Filipino seafarers, who were taken hostage by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The hostage-taking is reported to be in retaliation for Israel's offensive in Gaza, as indicated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The cargo vessel at the center of the incident, Galaxy Leader, flying the Bahamas flag and owned by a British entity with ties to Israeli businessman Abraham "Rami" Ungar, is operated by a Japanese firm. The situation continues to evolve, with diplomatic efforts being mobilized to address the crisis and ensure the well-being of the hostages.
The decision is fueled by the unfolding hostage situation involving 17 Filipino seafarers aboard the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea.
President Marcos conveyed on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, "In light of important developments in the hostage situation involving 17 Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea, I have made the decision not to attend COP28 in Dubai tomorrow."
The President revealed plans to convene a meeting aimed at dispatching a high-level delegation to Tehran, Iran, to provide necessary assistance to the seafarers caught in the crisis. The move underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga has been entrusted by President Marcos to lead the COP28 delegation and articulate the country's statement on his behalf.
Prior to this decision, President Marcos assured the Filipino people that the government is actively engaged in efforts to secure the release of the 17 Filipino seafarers, who were taken hostage by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The hostage-taking is reported to be in retaliation for Israel's offensive in Gaza, as indicated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The cargo vessel at the center of the incident, Galaxy Leader, flying the Bahamas flag and owned by a British entity with ties to Israeli businessman Abraham "Rami" Ungar, is operated by a Japanese firm. The situation continues to evolve, with diplomatic efforts being mobilized to address the crisis and ensure the well-being of the hostages.
Nov 30, 2023
