23 RP seamen freed after five months in Somalia

(Updated 2:54 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines - The 23 Filipino crew of the chemical tanker MT Stolt Strength were finally released by Somali pirates after more than five months in captivity, radio dzBB reported Tuesday. Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ed Malaya told GMANews.TV that the ship was released on Tuesday at around 11:35 a.m. (Manila time) and is now sailing to "safer waters" under the command of its Filipino captain, Abelardo Pacheco. The tanker was seized Nov. 10, 2008, when Somali pirates swarmed aboard as it sailed through the Gulf of Aden while hauling a cargo of phosphoric acid destined for Japan. The seafarers have been held captive by the Somali pirates for 162 days. Families of the abducted seafarers have urged the Philippine government to expedite the release of their loved ones. "The Philippine government conveys its appreciation to all parties which helped facilitate the release of the vessel and the regaining of freedom for its long suffering crew and their families," Malaya said. This development brings down the number of Filipino seamen in the hands of Somali pirates to 80 [based on GMANews.TV's count]. GMA News reporter Mark Salazar earlier quoted Captain Dexter Custodio, spokesman of shipowner Sagana Shipping Lines, as saying that ransom is no longer an issue for the shipowners but they were just coordinating the safe release of the cargo and crew. In an interview with radio dzBB on Tuesday, Custodio did not categorically state that the company paid a ransom, saying only that they have finally fulfilled the pirates’ "demands." "Nareach na po 'yung agreement natin between the company and the Somali pirates [We have already reached an agreement with the Somali pirates]," he said. The spokesperson added that all of the Filipino crew were in good condition. "Safe po sila, lahat naman po sila ay maayos [They are safe, they are all okay]," he said. - with Mark Joseph Ubalde, GMANews.TV