It’s Christmas in Somalia for 91 Filipino seafarers

MANILA, Philippines - As Filipinos from all over the globe return home to celebrate Christmas with their families, 91 Filipino seafarers would remain locked up inside their ships as Somali pirates refused to release them allegedly until ship owners pay ransom.   As of Tuesday, the 21 Filipino crew members of the Japanese bulk carrier MT African Sanderling have been in Somali shores for 73 days since pirates boarded their ship last October 15.   Three other vessels - the FB Tianyu No. 8, MV Sirius Star and the Saudi oil supertanker MV Chemstar Venus – with a total of 39 Filipinos on board, were hijacked on three consecutive days since November 14.   The latest abduction by Somali pirates involved seven Filipino seafarers on board MV Delight last Nov 18.   Esteban Conejos Jr, Department of Foreign Affairs undersecretary for migrant workers affairs, told GMANews.TV on Tuesday that there had been no word so far when the remaining 91 Filipino captives in Somalia would be freed.   The Philippine government has maintained a no-ransom policy against kidnappers but Conejos stressed that they have been assisting the release and immediate repatriation of the seafarers through the ship owners and manning agencies.   A total of 17 vessels – ranging from small fishing boats to huge oil supertankers – with 208 Filipino seafarers on board have been hijacked by Somali pirates since April 4 this year. Through ransom allegedly paid by ship owners, 117 of the 208 seafarers have been released as of December 8.   “We want them all back for Christmas but we don’t have control over everything," Conejos said.   The DFA has been coordinating with the families of the kidnapped seafarers and has been providing counseling to guide them through the ordeal, Conejos said.   “It’s obvious they are very anxious," Conejos said referring to the 91 families longing for their loved ones this Christmas. “But they are seeing our efforts." -  GMANews.TV