EU naval force: Ransom paid for release of kidnapped Pinoy seafarers

As Filipino seafarers aboard the bulk carrier M/V Dover arrive safely in Salalah, Oman, the European Union Naval Force Somalia (EU NAVFOR) disclosed that ransom was paid for the ship’s release. EU NAVFOR did not disclose the amount paid to Somali pirates, who released the vessel and its pre-dominantly Filipino crew off the coast of Somalia on September 30. A GMA “News TV Live" report on Tuesday cited information from Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos Jr., who said the 10 Filipino seafarers of the Greek-owned vessel have arrived in Salalah, where they were given medical check-up and debriefing.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV The families of these seamen have also been informed that they are safe, Conejos said. Meanwhile, officials at the embassy in Oman said Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario ordered them to meet the Filipinos at the port and arrange the paperwork necessary for them to come back to the Philippines. The Panamanian-flagged ship was hijacked last February 28 approximately 260 nautical miles northeast of Salalah in the Arabian sea. Aside from the Filipino crew, the cargo carrier also had three Romanians and one Russian on board. - with Rose-An Jessica Dioquino, VVP, GMA News