7 Filipino seafarers in Libya acquitted in fuel smuggling case — DFA

MANILA, Philippines — Seven Filipino seafarers  detained in Libya  have been acquitted by the Libyan High Court from a fuel smuggling case, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.

The seafarers were among the 20 Filipino crew members of the Liberian-flagged MV Levant who were taken into custody by the Libyan Coast Guard in August 2017 on suspicion of fuel smuggling.

In a statement, the DFA said the court has ordered the release of seven seafarers.

READ: DFA working on release of 7 detained seafarers in Libya

The DFA said that Chargé d’Affaires Mardomel Celo Melicor said the Philippine embassy received a copy of the order of the Libyan court on Sunday.

The Filipinos were investigated and detained for economic sabotage after they were caught allegedly attempting to smuggle six million liters of fuel.

Melicor noted that the Libyan authorities released the other 13 crew members in February 2018 but charged the remaining seven, who are all officers, and sentenced them to four years in prison in November.

The embassy is currently coordinating with local authorities for the repatriation of the seafarers, according to the DFA. /ee