By ANTHONY IAN CRUZ
Malaya
Dec. 13, 2007

NINE Filipino seafarers working in a Japanese chemical tanker hijacked near the Somali coast last Oct. 28 have been released and are coming home for Christmas.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said all the Filipinos and the rest of the 23-man crew of the Golden Nori are in good physical shape.

Undersecretary for Migrant Affairs Esteban Conejos identified the released Filipino seafarers as Capt. Restituto Bulilan, chief mate Melchor Cayabyab, second mate Loreto Quiles, third mate Raymundo Panaligan, chief engineer Mario Ocenar, first engineer Adelino Amparo, second engineer Carlito Lotoc, bosun Laureano Villanueva, and chief cook Ismael Perez.

Conejos said vessels from a multinational naval task force, led by elements from the US Fifth Fleet, will accompany Golden Nori out of Somalia’s territorial sea into international waters.

“The Japanese tanker will then sail to the Port of Dubai under the control of its Filipino captain,” said Conejos. He said the Filipino seamen will go home from Dubai and are expected in Manila by Dec. 18.

In a statement, DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo said the “Philippine government expresses its deep gratitude to the ship owners, international shipping authorities, and participants in the multinational naval efforts to secure the hijacked vessel, for the safe release of the crew.”