DFA tracking 2 Pinoy seamen abducted in Togo

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is “actively tracking” the two Filipino seafarers abducted by pirates in the West African nation of Togo a week ago.

But the DFA declined to disclose any developments in the ongoing negotiations.

“Due to the sensitivity of negotiations, it is best to share very little. If something can be shared, we will do so,” Assistant Foreign Secretary Eduardo Meñez said on Monday.

He said the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria — the country’s closest diplomatic outpost in the area — was coordinating with authorities and the seafarers’ manning agency “to ensure the safety and security” of the seafarers.

The two Filipinos were crew members of the Greek-flagged ship, Elka Aristotle, which was attacked by pirates off the coast of
the capital, Lome, on Nov. 4. —DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN