DFA confirms arrest of 15 RP seamen in Nigeria

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed that Nigerian authorities are holding 15 Filipino seamen on suspicion of stealing several barrels of crude oil from the north African country.

DFA spokesperson Claro Cristobal told GMANews.TV Sunday in a text message that a joint military task force arrested the 15 seamen on July 11 off Brass , Bayelsa in southern Nigeria.

"The seamen were reported unable to account for the origin of crude oil onboard their vessel," Cristobal said.

Nigerian authorities would bring the Filipinos to Nigeria's capital, Abuja city, for further investigation. - Mark Joseph Ubalde, GMANews.TV

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