Mexico arrests 19 Filipino sailors for drug trafficking

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - Mexico arrested 19 Filipino sailors for alleged violating Mexico's law on illegal drugs, the Philippines Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

The Cypriot-flagged vessel, UBC Savannah, docked Saturday in Altamira Port in the state of Tamaulipas with 22 sailors on board -- 19 Filipinos and three Polish nationals, the ministry said in a statement.

"Embassy representatives were able to speak with seven of the Filipino seafarers currently detained for questioning," it said. "The group is generally in good spirits, and informed the Embassy representatives that their families have been informed of what happened.”

No formal charges have yet been filed against the sailors but the ministry said it will provide any assistance to protect their right to be heard in court.

"However, should they be found to be guilty by the proper court of the charges against them, they have to face the legal consequences of their actions," it stated.

The Philippines is “actively monitoring” developments through its embassy in Mexico and stressed it expects from all Filipinos to follow the laws of their countries of destination.