7 Filipino seafarers jailed in Libya return home

MANILA, Philippines — The seven Filipino seafarers released from prison in Libya after they were acquitted of fuel smuggling have returned to the Philippines.

They arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on a Turkish Airlines flight on Tuesday night.

Ship captain Arthur Taleno, Aldwin Emperado, Gil Crusada, Fulgencio Eulogio, Claro Allera, Gerry Naduman and Ronnie Moniva were met by their families at the airport.

They were jailed for smuggling fuel on board the Liberian-flagged M/T Levante in 2017, but they denied the charges.

They were sentenced to four years in prison in November last year.

Last month, the Libyan High Court acquitted the Filipinos and ordered their release from prison.

The Department of Foreign Affairs headed by Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and the Philippine embassy in Tripoli facilitated the release of the seafarers, according to presidential adviser on overseas Filipino affairs and Muslim concerns Abdullah Mamao.