Three Filipino seafarers were taken hostage by Somali pirates after the hijacking of their New Zealand vessel off the coast of Oman over the weekend, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.
The DFA said the MV Charelle was hijacked last June 13.
The vessel's local manning agency has already informed the families of the three Filipino seafarers and is closely coordinating with its principal in New Zealand.
The Department of Foreign Affairs' Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs (OUMWA) is coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi for representation with the proper authorities and the Philippine Embassy in Wellington for coordination with the vessel's principal.
There are now 47 Filipino seafarers in the hands of Somali pirates on board five vessels.
The Philippines earlier urged other governments, international organizations and private entities involved in finding ways to combat piracy particularly in the Gulf of Aden and Western Indian Ocean, to also focus on the condition of seafarers who are victims of piracy and armed robbery.
“The Philippines recognizes the role of seafarers and hence international and regional initiatives should also focus on their safety and protection,” said DFA Ocean Concerns Office executive director Oscar Orcine.
Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
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