PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. canceled his trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Thursday, where he was supposed to attend a climate change conference.

“In light of important developments in the hostage situation involving 17 Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea, I have made the decision not to attend COP28 in Dubai tomorrow,” Marcos said in a statement. 

“Today, I will be convening a meeting to facilitate the dispatch of a high-level delegation to Tehran, Iran, with the aim of providing necessary assistance to our seafarers,” he added.

Marcos said he would be represented by Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, who will articulate the Philippines’ statement on his behalf.

The President was supposed to join fellow world leaders at the Conference of the Parties 28, where issues such as expediting the energy transition, delivering and enhancing climate finance, and ensuring the resiliency of food systems will be discussed. 

Bilateral meetings with other heads of government were also arranged for Marcos.

COP28 UAE will run from November 30 to December 12, 2023.