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By Francis Earl A. Cueto Reporter
THE Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday said negotiations are
underway for the release of the 23 crew of a Japanese chemical
tanker that included nine Filipinos.
The pirates who abducted the crew
threatened to kill them if their demand for a $1-million ransom
demand is not met.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary
for Migrant Workers Esteban Conejos said there is an ongoing
negotiation for the release of the hostages, which also include
seafarers from South Korea and Myanmar.
“I cannot disclose more than
that because it might affect the negotiations,” Conejos said.
“But the latest information I got is that the hostages are being
treated well. They are well.”
Conejos, however, said the
department is monitoring the situation very carefully.
“The embassy is not
negotiating, because that is our policy,” Conejos added. “The
host government and the employer, which is the ship owner, should
negotiate the release of the hostages because that is their
obligation. Their obligation is to ensure the welfare and safety of
the hostages.”
He said they are maintaining
their no-ransom policy.
But, he added, the host
government and the employers must exert all efforts to ensure the
protection of the hostages.
The Japanese ship Golden Nori,
which was carrying tens of thousands of tons of inflammable benzene,
was hijacked on October 28 along with the foreign crew, including
the Filipinos.
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