THE seven Filipino seafarers who were kidnapped last month in Nigeria have been released, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported late Tuesday.
In its report to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., the Philippine Embassy in the Nigerian capital of Abuja said the 12 crew members of the Swiss-owned MV Glarus, including the Filipinos, were released on Sunday, Oct. 28.
Ambassador to Nigeria Shirley Ho-Vicario said the Filipino seafarers are now in Zurich, Switzerland, awaiting to be flown back home.
The MV Glarus was on its way to Port Harcourt, Nigeria on Sept. 22 when it was intercepted by armed men who kidnapped the 12 crew members.
On Wednesday, the Philippine Embassy in Abuja also advised Filipinos in Nigeria, especially the 3,000 residing in Lagos, to remain vigilant as violent clashes between police and protesting members of the Islamic Movement continued. Ms. Ho-Vicario said no Filipino has been harmed amid that development.
According to a Reuters report, police forces opened fire at Shi’ite Muslim protesters who were demanding the release of their leader Ibrahim Zakzaky. At least 24 protesters were reported killed, but the military said only three people were killed, and four soldiers were wounded. — Camille A. Aguinaldo

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR