The Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday confirmed that 19 Filipino sailors, along with three Polish nationals of a Cypriot-flagged vessel were detained in Mexico for alleged possession of illegal drugs.
In a report to the Home Office in Manila, the Philippine embassy said the UBC Savannah docked in Altamira Port in Mexico was held on July 27 due to alleged violations of the country’s illegal drug law.
Embassy representatives, the DFA said, were able to speak with seven of the Filipino seafarers currently detained for questioning.
“The group is generally in good spirits, and informed the embassy representatives that their families have been informed of what happened,” the DFA said.
Philippine diplomats are in close coordination with Mexican authorities and the law firm representing the ship’s crew.
“At this point, no formal charges have been filed against any seafarer,” the DFA said.
It assured that the Philippine government is ready to provide any form of assistance, including legal assistance if still necessary, to protect the Filipino seafarers’ right to be heard in court.
“However, should they be found to be guilty by the proper court of the charges against them, they have to face the legal consequences of their actions,” it said.
