2 more Pinoy seafarers freed; 3 remain in hands of Somali pirates

Two more Filipino seafarers held captive by Somali pirates were released Sunday night, reducing the number of Filipinos still in the hands of outlaws in the East African country to three.

A statement posted on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Web site said the two were among the crew of Thai Union 3, the Thai-owned fishing vessel that was hijacked off Seychelles last October 29.

The vessel was also carrying 23 Russians and two Ghanaians, the DFA said.

The department, citing information reaching the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers, said the released Filipino crew members were all in good condition.

Details for the repatriation are still being coordinated, the DFA said.

On Sunday afternoon, 17 Filipino seafarers who were released by Somali pirates after almost a year in captivity arrived in the country from Kaoshung, Taiwan. The 17 gained their freedom last February 11.

Meanwhile, three more Filipinos remain in captivity in Somalia on board the MV St. James Park. The DFA said this is the lowest number of Filipino captives in Somalia in recent times.

The DFA said it is coordinating with the ship’s principal and local manning agency for the speedy and safe release of the three seafarers. - Jerrie Abella/KBK, GMANews.TV

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