MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Foreign Affairs has sent a consular team to Bonny in the Niger Delta to verify the reported abduction of six Filipinos there.

If the reports are true, the team’s mission is to take the necessary measures to secure the safe and early release of the Filipinos, including coordination with local authorities, DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Esteban Conejos Jr. said in a text message.

Conejos said the instruction for the creation and dispatch of the team has been made by the foreign affairs department to the Philippine embassy in Abuja.