"Wives in Waiting: Heartbroken Families Plead for Justice as Filipino Seafarers Remain Detained in Algeria"

MANILA, Philippines — In a quiet restaurant in Manila, sorrow echoed louder than words as three women—identified only by the names Joy, Marie, and Rose—stood before the press on Friday, their voices trembling with grief and hope. They are the wives of three Filipino seafarers currently detained at the Berrouaghia prison facility in Algeria.

Their husbands are among the eight Filipino crew members arrested after Algerian authorities discovered 35.8 kilograms of cocaine aboard the MV Harris, a Malta-flagged container ship docked at the Port of Algiers.

"We understand that international legal and diplomatic processes take time," one of them stated, her eyes welling with tears. "But our families are breaking—emotionally, mentally—because of this endless uncertainty."

The women appealed to Philippine authorities and the international community to intensify efforts in ensuring due process and a fair resolution. Holding back tears, they shared how each passing day without answers only deepens their fear and helplessness.

Their plea is not just for justice—it is for humanity, for truth, and for the safe return of the men they call husbands, fathers, and sons.

(Photos by Edd Gumban / The Philippine STAR)