14 Pinoys among freed by Somalis

MANILA, Philippines – Pirates have released 14 Filipinos from among the 79 crewmen of two Malaysian tankers hijacked near Somalia in exchange for a ransom.

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Victoriano Lecaros confirmed the release of nine Filipino crewmembers and the remains of Jayson Dumagat, whose body was placed in the cold storage of M/V Bunga Melati 2, which were seized by Somali pirates last Aug. 19.

The release came two days after Somali pirates freed another Malaysian tanker with some Filipino crewmembers.

Malaysian shipping line MISC Berhad chairman Hassan Marican said a ransom was paid for both vessels but declined to reveal the amount. All 79 crew, including the 14 Filipinos, on both ships are safe but are traumatized and will undergo counseling, he said.

Lecaros identified nine Filipino seamen released as Romulo Buhayang, Ariel Objaan, Rodolfo Buinanao Jr., Benito Adecer, Macario Pacione III, Ronan Maranan, Rading Maguan, Leo Andrew Sitjar, and Eleanor Madriga.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Claro Cristobal said the DFA is coordinating with MISC Berhad to repatriate the nine Filipino crewmen and the remains of Dumagat, who was killed during the raid.

DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Esteban Conejos, Jr. added the Malaysian cargo ship would be brought to Djiboti, Egypt.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo, said negotiations continue for the release of the rest of the hostages.

“President Arroyo was happy that 15 Filipinos were released. From a total of 97 prisoners, it’s now down to 82. Negotiations continue for the release of the 82 remaining hostages,” she said.

Fajardo though declined to comment on the issue of ransom paid for the release of the seamen as reported earlier. –With Marvin Sy, AP