Efforts to Release Filipino Seafarers in Somalia Continue, Naval Liaision Officer
Appointed
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11 July 2009 – Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Esteban B. Conejos, Jr. today said
efforts to secure the safe and early release of the remaining Filipino seafarers held hostage in Somalia are
ongoing.
Undersecretary Conejos said negotiations for the release of 44 Filipino seafarers, on board four hijacked
vessels, between the ships’ principals and Somali pirates continue.
“We are aware that negotiations continue and that all 44 Filipinos are unharmed. We continue to hope and
pray for a positive outcome,” he said.
As a policy, the Philippine Government does not negotiate directly to pirates. However, it coordinates closely
with concerned foreign authorities and the local manning agencies of the hijacked vessels to secure the early
and safe release of Filipino seafarers.
As the Philippines’ contribution to international efforts to stem piracy, Undersecretary Conejos disclosed that
the Government has already designated a Philippine navy officer to act as naval liaison to the Combined
Maritime Forces in Manama, Bahrain.
The Combined Maritime Forces is a multinational task force conducting maritime security operations
throughout the region.
In her recent trip to Japan, President Arroyo also obtained the assurance of Japan that it will help secure
Filipino seafarers against pirates in the Gulf of Aden through the dispatch of vessels and maritime patrol
aircrafts.
Until the security situation has stabilized, the DFA recommended the imposition of a ban on the deployment of
Filipino seafarers in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding areas. END
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DFA Statement on the Suspension of United Nations Aid Missions in Mindanao
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United Nations officials have assured the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that UN agencies shall continue
to undertake humanitarian assistance programmes in Mindanao, notwithstanding the decision to temporarily
restrict the travel of UN personnel in parts of the island.
According to the UN, the travel of UN personnel to and within Mindanao has merely been restricted for a
one-week period, as the UN Department of Safety and Security monitors and assesses the security situation
in certain areas, in light of recent developments.
The DFA notes that such restrictions are being undertaken pursuant to long-established UN standard
operating procedure governing security clearances for UN missions and operations worldwide, and for
evaluating situations in the field that impact on the security of its personnel.
The relevant Philippine Government agencies, including the DFA, continue to liaise with the UN and its country
team based in Manila, regarding the actual and most current security situation on the ground.
The UN has assured the Government of its continued support and cooperation, with respect to aid
programmes in Mindanao. END
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Statement on the visit to the United States of H.E. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
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President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has accepted the invitation to meet with U.S. President Barack Obama in
Washington D.C. on 30 July 2009. President Arroyo was the first Southeast Asian leader to talk to President
Obama after his election and the first Southeast Asian President to be invited to meet him.
The visit to Washington D.C. is an affirmation of the strong partnership between the two countries that share
historical and cultural ties and common democratic values. President Arroyo is expected to discuss the
Philippines’ poverty alleviation and economic resiliency programs, good governance, counter-terrorism efforts
and its contributions to peace and security in the region.
As a strategic ally and friend of the Philippines, the U.S. has extended assistance in support of both countries’
shared goals of peace, progress and prosperity.
While in Washington D.C. the President will also meet with members of U.S. Congress, other administration
officials, the business sector and the Filipino-American community. END
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