Home 
MANILA, Philippines -- Two Filipino seafarers were confirmed released by their Somali kidnappers, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced Monday.
This brings to 90 Filipino seamen still being held captive by Somali pirates.
In a text message, DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Esteban Conejos Jr. said first engineer Israel Lumpas, 28, of Tacloban City, and third engineer Ernesto Cuartero, 58, of Las Pinas City were part of the 22-man crew of the Japan-owned, India-operated cargo ship M/T Stolt Valor.
"All crew members were reported safe and in good condition," he said.
Conejos said the vessel, which was hijacked last September 15, was enroute to Mumbai, India.
"The Philippine embassy in New Delhi has been instructed to facilitate the repatriation of the two," he said.
