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MANILA, Philippines -- The 22 Filipino seamen working the MV Irene and who were released by Somali pirates after five months of captivity returned home Tuesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
The 22 arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport 1, at around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday aboard Gulf Air Flight 154, information obtained by the Inquirer at the NAIA showed.
The DFA said in a statement it was informed by Bright Maritime Corp., the manning agency of the newly released vessel, of the seamen's arrival at 3:30 pm.. on a flight from the Middle East.
After the vessel?s release, the Royal Netherlands Navy ship ?Evertsen? escorted MV Irene to safety and provided a medical doctor who examined the crew. The doctor certified that all crew members were well.
The crew was also debriefed by a team of specialists, according to the principal, Chian Spirit Maritime.
?The DFA conveys its appreciation to the Government of The Netherlands and the Royal Netherlands Navy for escorting MV Irene to safety and for providing medical assistance to the crew,? the DFA statement said.
It also thanked President Macapagal-Arroyo for her ?unfaltering support? towards the resolution of this case and repatriation of the seafarers.
The DFA likewise commended the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi that continually monitored the local situation to ensure the safety of the seafarers on board; the Philippine embassy in Manama that coordinated with the Combined Maritime Task Force 151 which is headquartered in Bahrain; the Philippine embassy in Athens that coordinated with the principal to ensure that positive steps were taken towards the resolution of a crisis; and the Philippine Embassy in Muscat that monitored the arrival of the crew and provided consular assistance.
It said the release of the seamen would not have been possible without the full cooperation of the Chian Spirit Maritime Enterprises, Inc. and Bright Maritime Corp.
Upon arrival, the Filipino seamen were brought to a local hospital to ensure their physical and psychological well-being.
