Nigeria having trouble negotiating with abductors of Pinoy seafarers

Nigeria’s chief government negotiator has admitted to the Philippines that they are having difficulty dealing with the abductors of the 24 Filipino seafarers because of their "political demands," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

In a report to the DFA, Ambassador to Nigeria Masaranga Umpa said he met with Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Delta State Barr Ovie Omo-Agege in Warri on Tuesday to check on the condition of the Filipino sailors following reports in the Nigerian press that seven seamen were critically ill.

Agege however confirmed that all 24 were still "in good condition" and "looking well." Filipino diplomats in Nigeria were in constant communication with the chief hostage negotiator, who has reportedly made contact with the kidnappers and the Filipinos in Nigeria’s Chinoma Creek.

Nigeria expressed belief that "difficulties" encountered by the negotiator "can be worked out," said Umpa, who is coordinating with the Delta State government on negotiations to free the Filipino captives.

The demands were not made public, and it was still unclear which group was responsible.

Umpa said a Delta State Security Council meeting was called on Tuesday due to the constant monitoring and pressure from Delta State Governor James Ibori.

The meeting was also attended by the deputy governor and commanding generals of the different armed services of the Delta State to discuss negotiations for the freedom of the Filipino seafarers who were seized last Jan. 20 from a Nigerian-flagged cargo ship off the coast of the West African state.

The gunmen took 17 sailors to a nearby village and forced the remaining sailors to stay on board the German-owned Baco Liner II.

Agege emphasized that the Nigerian government’s assurance that "all efforts are still being exerted to effect their release."

Umpa was informed by Baco Liner II general manager Klaus Stefsen that the local pilot of the vessel had also seen the Filipinos and has confirmed that they are still in good condition.

The envoy leads a six-person embassy team in Warri, which monitors the situation there and coordinates with the state government as the phase of negotiations enters the second week.

The Philippine government has expressed confidence that the abductors would not harm the hostages since they only want to highlight in the international community the economic plight of the people in the Niger Delta.

Earlier, DFA Undersecretary for migrant workers’ affairs Esteban Conejos Jr. said that the abductors belonging to the militant Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) have not made their demand known in exchange for the Filipinos’ safe release.

Conejos said MEND has been consistent in their demand involving other nationals abducted by the group. The group had asked for the release of two prisoners, a former governor and head of the people’s front organization, who are facing charges of treason.

The commander of the militants had previously declared a war on all foreign oil interests in the Delta.

MEND however denied involvement in the abduction of the 24 Filipino seamen.

Manila has asked the Nigerian government not to mount any rescue attempt that might endanger the hostages.

Immediately after the kidnapping, President Arroyo ordered a ban on the deployment of Filipino workers in Nigeria.

Nigeria is one of the biggest employers of Filipino workers in Africa, with some 3,900 working there at the end of 2006.

The Philippines is one of Asia’s biggest exporters of manpower with an estimated eight million of its citizens working as maids, seafarers, oil rig workers and in other labor-intensive jobs. — With AFP