THE Department of Foreign Affairs has instructed the Philippine Embassies in Singapore and Nairobi to assist in securing the safe and immediate release of the two Filipino crew of a Malaysian fishing vessel hijacked by Somali pirates.

Thai Union 3, with its crew of two Filipinos, two Ghanaians, and 23 Russians, was seized by pirates last Oct. 29, 200 nautical miles north of Seychelles.

This brings the total number of Filipino seamen on board three hijacked vessels off Somalia to 22.

According to the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs, the vessel’s local manning agency reported that the crew are in good condition. It also instructed the Philippine Embassy in Singapore to closely coordinate with the vessel’s principal based in Singapore.

The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi was also directed to monitor negotiations between the principal and the Somali pirates.

The Philippine government has reiterated its no-ransom policy on to abductions. Elvira P. Manzano