DFA: Repatriation arranged for Pinoy seaman rescued from Somali pirates

Philippine officials are now arranging for the repatriation of the Filipino seaman rescued from Somali pirates after nearly three years in captivity.

 

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez did not name the seaman but said he had spent 32 months in captivity.

 

"A Filipino seaman on board MV Iceberg I was rescued from Somali pirates after 32 months in captivity. His repatriation is now being arranged," Hernandez said on his Twitter account.

 

Hernandez likewise did not immediately give details on when the seaman would be repatriated.

 

An earlier Reuters report had said maritime police rescued 22 seafarers held for 32 months by Somali pirates.

 

The sailors aboard the Panama-flagged MV Iceberg 1 had been held for longer than any other hostages in the power of the pirates.

 

Other than Filipinos, there were also Indian, Yemeni, Sudanese, Ghanaian and Pakistani seafarers serving aboard the vessel. — RSJ, GMA News