DFA to secure release of 4 Pinoys kidnapped in Gulf of Guinea

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is working to secure the safe release of four Filipino seafarers who were abducted by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea.

“Families have been informed and efforts are underway to secure the crew members’ safe release,” the DFA said in a statement on Thursday.

A Maritime Executive report said 15 crew members of MT Davide B, a Maltese-flagged chemical tanker, were kidnapped by nine armed intruders after boarding the vessel while in the Gulf of Guinea.

Initial reports said the vessel had 21 crew aboard, which includes Romanians and Filipinos.

The chemical tanker’s ship manager De Poli Ship management confirmed that the 15 seafarers are “all together and doing well under the difficult circumstances” after establishing communication on March 17.

“We have shared the news with their families at home who continue to receive our full support in this time of uncertainty,” it said.

“The first contact with those holding our crew is an encouraging step in our efforts to resolve this distressing situation. We have meanwhile entered in a dialogue with the kidnappers with the objective to have a swift and safe release of our men,” it added.