Manila, June 6 -- The families of three seafarers who are facing drug trafficking charges in Algeria appealed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to urgently intervene in their case through diplomatic channels and bring their loved ones home.

With the final trial scheduled in October, the seafarers, who have been detained since July 2023, are racing against time, their wives said at a press conference in Manila on Friday.

They thanked Philippine government agencies for their continued assistance, but believe only the President's direct involvement could make a decisive difference in the case.

"Hindi po namin kayang tiisin ang 15 taon. Mr. President, sana po tulungan ninyo kami. Inosente po ang aming mga asawa (We cannot bear 15 years....