Was ransom paid to release Filipino seamen?
Over the weekend, the Philippines watched as news unraveled about the release of 20 Filipino seamen who have been taken hostage in Somalia. They were held hostage for almost four months by pirates who seized them when their oil tanker was offloading cargo at a Somali port. Now, the men are on their way home and in good health, according to the Inquirer (Inq7.net).
Although the Philippines is on a no-ransom policy, speculation floated on whether ransom was paid. According to Roy Cimatu, the government’s special envoy to the Middle East, the owners of the ship negotiated for the release of the crew so it’s not clear if ransom was paid.
“Somalia is a pirate-infested area and all shipping companies are known to pay,” Cimatu told a press briefing, as reported in AllAfrica.com.
Piracy in Somalia rose sharply last year, with the number of reported incidents at 35, compared with two in 2004, according to the International Maritime Bureau.
The DFA reiterated its warning to Philippine-registered ships and Filipino sailors not to enter Somali waters or trade with Somali ports in view of the security situation.
This is the second incident of hostage taking and release of Filipino workers that’s happened in the past two months. However the circumstances of their release, I’m sure the families of our fellowmen are happy to await their return. We bid them all a safe homecoming.
The Philippine Embassy to the United Arab Emirates lists the names of the crew:
Captain Pablo Buaya
Deck officers Julius Nidera and Adonnis Corales
Chief engineer Perfecto Narciso
Engine officers Nelson Gipulla and Gil Paradero
Electrician Ricardo Somido
Pumpmen Meynard Garcia and Gregorio Ilagan
Bosun Ramier Casapao Bosun
Able bodies Ryan Solis, Ronnie Mendoza, John Alderete, Alex Genanda, and Even Acain
Fitter Rolando Cogama
Oilers Deogracia Manalo, Vicente Echavez, and Alejandre Aluag
Cook Macario Castillo
[Source: Inquirer]
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