Convicted Filipino seafarer in Moscow freed early

MANILA, Philippines—A Filipino seafarer was freed in Moscow 10 months ahead of his full sentence for physical injuries, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday.

The Filipino, who was not named by the DFA, was released on Tuesday, the Philippine Embassy in Moscow reported. He arrived Friday afternoon in Manila.

“Because of this, he need not endure another harsh winter in Arkhangelsk,” the DFA said in a statement.

The Filipino seafarer was convicted by the Kirovsk City Court of Leningrad on August 13 last year over a stabbing incident with a fellow Filipino seaman onboard their ship, which was sailing from St. Petersburg to Moscow.

He was sentenced to serve a two-year jail time until June 14, 2012 at the Federal Penitentiary Service in the Arkhangelsk Region, some 700 kilometers from Moscow.

Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation Victor G. Garcia III said the seaman’s early release was a result of the combination of good relations between the Philippines and Russia and his good conduct while in prison.

“The embassy made representations with the relevant Russian ministries and agencies for his early release from prison considering that he showed remorse for his offense and the head of the Federal Penitentiary Service made a commendation of the Filipino’s  good conduct while in prison,” the DFA said in a statement.

The Velsky District Court  on July 25 ruled that there was no need for the Filipino seaman to finish his sentence—aimed at the restoration of social justice, correction of the convict and prevention of new crimes—as he had complied with all the court orders and that he had been reformed in the penitentiary.

The Filipino said he was treated well in prison and made plenty of friends despite the language barrier.  But he complained of the extremely harsh Russian winter which could go as low as -45 degrees Centigrade.

The Philippines and Russia commemorate this year the 35^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.