4 Filipino seafarers of hijacked LPG tanker repatriated

The Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) on Wednesday confirmed the safe return of four Filipino seafarers who were detained by pirates onboard LPG tanker CGAS Saturn in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

In a statement, OWWA shared that the four arrived via flight Flight QR932 at Terminal 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday.

The victims received immediate assistance from OWWA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

“Sa kanilang pagbabalik, handa ang pamahalaan na ipagkaloob ang kaukulang suporta, kabilang ang agarang tulong-pinansyal at iba pang kinakailangang assistance para sa kanilang pagbangon,” the statement read.

(Upon their return, the government was ready to extend the necessary support, including immediate financial assistance and the other necessary assistance needed for their recovery.)

The four victims were part of the 12 crew members who were reportedly held captive by pirates in the waters of Mbini, Equatorial Guinea early December.

Following the attack, four crewmen were said to have been left on board with one hurt due to a stray bullet.

The Filipino crew members were initially listed as missing following the incident, but were later confirmed safe. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News