MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Tuesday the abduction of seven Filipinos off the coast of Nigeria and assured that “necessary steps” are being taken to ensure their safe release.
The seven nationals were among a dozen crew members of a Swiss-owned vessel who were taken by armed men off the coast of Nigeria on Saturday.
DFA Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato said the Philippine embassies in Abuja, Nigeria and Bern, Switzerland are coordinating with concerned authorities in Nigeria and Switzerland to get additional information on the condition and whereabouts of the seven Filipino crew members of the MV Glarus.
The Philippine Embassy in Abuja said the seven were among 12 of 19 crew members who were reported to have been taken by gunmen as the vessel was making its way from Lagos to Port Harcourt.
Ambassador to Nigeria Shirley Ho Vicario said five other Filipinos and two foreign nationals were left on board the vessel but it was not immediately clear why they were not taken.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano directed the Office of Migrant Workers Affairs to notify and extend assistance to the families of the seven Filipino seafarers. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA)
