MANILA, Philippines –Two of the 16 rescued Filipino crew members of MV Spirit which was hijacked last May 13 by militants in Niger Delta, are missing, Vice President Noli de Castro said.
De Castro, presidential adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers, said on Thursday the Nigerian State Security were searching for Roi Allan Cuasay and Carlo Dagun, who were unaccounted for as of Thursday, following the rescue of the hostages from militants by the Nigerian Army last May 16.
The hostages were captured when militants attacked two ships in Delta State last week, including the MV Spirit, which was mainly crewed by Filipino sailors.
They launched their attacks after having warned oil companies operating there to withdraw their staff from the area.
“I was informed by Consul General Alex Lamadrid that there is still no word on the condition of the two seafarers. We cannot make any speculation, we can only hope that they are safe and alive,” De Castro said.
De Castro said the Philippine embassy in Abuja was coordinating with the Nigerian foreign ministry and federal security officials to get updates on the welfare of Cuasay and Dagun.
He said the embassy was also contacting the employer of the two seamen, Orion Marine, to help in the search.
The 14 rescued Filipino crew members were scheduled to arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Wednesday (May 27) and Thursday (May 28), in two batches, he said.
Over 200 foreigners have been kidnapped since militants stepped up their activities against the oil industry in late 2005 and more than 100 expatriates have been seized this year alone as criminal gangs took up the practice.
Kidnappers have focused mostly on foreign, male workers of international companies presumed to have the resources for ransom payments.