2 Filipino sailors hurt in air strike in Libya

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — Two Filipino crew members were injured in a bombing incident aboard a Greek-operated oil tanker anchored offshore in Libya on Tuesday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that a Libyan air strike damaged the Liberian-flagged ship ARAEVO carrying 2,600 tons of crude oil off the port of Derna.

"One of them underwent a successful operation to remove shrapnel from his stomach while the other sustained minor injuries," DFA spokesperson Charles Jose said..

The DFA official corrected the agency's earlier statement that three were wounded in the attack, adding that the Philippine Embassy in Tripolo issued a clarification on Wednesday afternoon.

Jose, however, did not identify the victims of the attack as the political struggle in Libya between two rebel factions continues.

He said Manila is working on informing the victims' relatives and coordinating for necessary assistance.

Libya had been placed by the DFA under Crisis Alert Level 4 due to the volatile security situation there. It warned all Filipinos to leave the conflict area and avail of the government's repatriation efforts.

"The DFA appeals to all Filipinos nationals there to take extra precaution and to avail of the Philippine government's repatriation program," Jose said.

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Greece, meanwhile, condemned the attack on the oil tanker as "unprovoked and cowardly" and demanded an investigation on the incident.

"The Greek government will take all the necessary actions towards Libyan authorities - despite the unrest - so that light is shed on the tragic incident, the attackers are identified and are punished and the families of the victims are reimbursed," the Greek foreign ministry said in a statement.