Gov’t closely monitoring abduction of 9 Pinoy seafarers in Africa

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said it is closely monitoring the reported abduction of nine Filipino seafarers in the West African nation of Benin over the weekend.

“The Philippine Government is actively monitoring the reported piracy incident that occurred somewhere in Benin that led to the kidnapping of nine Filipino seafarers,” the DFA said in a statement.

The DFA said it is in close coordination with the manning agency of the Filipino seafarers.

It also “joins the relatives’ primary call to ensure our nationals’ safety and security.”

“The DFA will likewise provide corresponding updates, as necessary,” it added.

The nine Filipino crew members of a Norwegian cargo ship were kidnapped by pirates while preparing to dock in Benin last Saturday.

Earlier news reports said the MV Bonita was anchored and waiting to dock at the port of Cotonou to unload a shipment of gypsum early morning when the pirates boarded the ship.

READ: Pirates kidnap 9 Pinoy seamen in Africa 

The remaining crew members contacted local authorities after the incident. 

The ship docked at the port of Cotonou later that day./gsg