DFA keeping tab on seized Pinoys

BRP ANTONIO Luna is the second missile frigate built by South Korea for the Philippine Navy.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is closely monitoring the reported kidnapping of nine Filipinos by suspected pirates off the West African country Benin as hopes for their release appear dim at this time.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs is in close contact with the seafarers’ manning agency and joins the relatives’ primary call to ensure our nationals’ safety and security,” the agency said in a statement.

The DFA said it will provide updates as regards the incident as necessary.

Norwegian media reported on Sunday that the nine Filipino crew members were taken from a cargo ship owned by Norwegian shipping company J.J Ugland.

The reports stated that the ship was anchored and waiting to dock at the port of Cotonou to unload a shipment when the pirates boarded the ship.

Ugland confirmed that the ship named MV Bonita was boarded by pirates early Saturday morning while it was at anchor.

No information was provided about any claim for ransoms.