President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Thursday, Nov. 30, called off his participation in the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai to focus on the situation of 17 Filipino seafarers, who were taken hostage in the Red Sea.
Marcos and his delegation were supposed to fly today to Dubai, United Arab Emirates at the Vilamor Air Base, Pasay.
“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,” he said in an X (formerly Twitter) post.
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.
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) November 30, 2023
Today, I will be convening a meeting to facilitate the dispatch of a high-level delegation to Tehran,…
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga was tapped to “lead the COP28 delegation and articulate the country's statement” on the President’s behalf.
Marcos said he would convene a meeting “to facilitate the dispatch of a high-level delegation to Tehran, Iran, to provide necessary assistance to our seafarers.”
Full details about the meeting were not disclosed.
The Chief Executive earlier vowed that the national government is working to ensure the safety of the 17 Filipino seafarers.
Last Nov. 23, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega confirmed to DZRH that 17 Filipino seafarers were among the 25 hostages after Yemen's Houthi rebels hijacked a cargo ship Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea.
The Department of Migrant Workers has assured the families of the seafarers of the government’s support and assistance.
