MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday said the employer of the two Filipino seafarers who were reportedly abducted by armed pirates in Greece is coordinating with local authorities for the safety and immediate release of the captives.
“The owners/principals in Greece is coordinating with the Togo authorities through an agent for the safety and speedy release of the abducted seafarers…,” the DOLE said in a statement.
It added that based on the information received, the two Filipinos were identified as Elmer L. Padecio (Second Officer), and Rene M. Lazaga (ordinary seaman).
The manning agency, Eastern Ocean Maritime Corp., also reported that it received information from its principal in Greece that the vessel MT Elka Aristotle (Greek flag) while laying down in the anchorage area of Lome, Togo on Monday, a group of armed pirates boarded the vessel and abducted its crew members.
Aside from the two OFWs, two Greeks were also taken by the pirates.
On Saturday, nine Filipino sailors in a ship waiting in the harbor of the Beninese port of Cotonou were also abducted by suspected pirates.
Attacks on ships and the abductions of the crew for ransom have been reported in the West African waters.