DFA: 2 Pinoys in vessel hijacked in Somalia

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed yesterday that two Filipino seamen were among the 29-man crew of the third vessel seized by pirates in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia.

Citing reports from the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi, DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Esteban Conejos Jr. said the two Filipino seafarers were on board the Iranian bulk carrier M/V Iran Deyanat when suspected Somali pirates seized the vessel last Aug. 21.

The DFA has instructed the Philippine embassies in Tehran and Nairobi to coordinate with ship owners and international maritime authorities to secure the safe release of the seamen.

Last Friday, the DFA identified the Filipino seaman who died in an accident when Somali pirates boarded his ship last Aug. 21.

After verification made by MISC Bhd, the Malaysian owner of MT Bunga Melati 2, and the ship captain, the DFA identified the Filipino seaman as Jayson Dumagat. Authorities did not elaborate how he died.

The DFA is coordinating with the ship owner on efforts to repatriate Dumagat’s remains and secure the safe release of the other crewmen

A deployment ban on both land and sea-based workers in Somalia was recommended by the DFA following a series of hijackings in the area that resulted in 35 Filipino seamen being held by Somali pirates.

Conejos revealed the recommendation during an inter-agency meeting chaired by Labor Secretary Marianito Roque and attended by officials and representatives of the DFA, Department of Labor and Employment, Office of the Vice President, and four manning agencies which deployed the Filipino seamen who were seized in Somalia.

Last week alone, 35 Filipino seamen were kidnapped by suspected Somali pirates in three separate hijackings.

Somalia and Nigeria have been branded by the International Maritime Bureau as the world’s most dangerous hot spots for seafarers, with 49 hijackings since last January. – Pia Lee-Brago