DFA: 4 OFWs abducted by unidentified men in Libya

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday confirmed that four overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were abducted by unidentified armed men in an oil field in Tripoli, Libya.

During a press conference, DFA spokesperson Charles Jose said that the OFWs, together with five other foreigners - two Bangladeshis, one Ghanaian, a Czech national and an Austrian - were kidnapped. They were working for Austrian-owned VAOS Oil Services.

“No one has claimed responsibility for the abduction and the employer has not received any ransom demand,” Jose told members of the press.

The DFA is coordinating with the employer of the victims, as well as the embassies of the other foreigners who were abducted.

“The embassy has stepped up coordination with VAOS officials and Libyan authorities to locate the abducted Filipinos and ensure their safe and immediate release,” Jose added.

Jose noted that there were reports that Islamic State militants might be behind the abduction but the agency has no confirmation on the said information yet.

Three OFWs were previously kidnapped also by unidentified men last February.

READ: 3 OFWs abducted in Libya

The DFA reiterated its call for the remaining 4,000 Filipinos in Libya to return home for their own safety.

In July 2014, alert level 4 was raised in Libya due to the civil unrest in the country. The Philippines ordered mandatory repatriation and total deployment ban in the area.