Wednesday, April 09, 2008
RP urges diplomatic solution to free 6 Pinoys in seized French yacht (3:49 p.m.)
MANILA -- A diplomatic solution must be found to secure the release of six Filipinos taken hostage by pirates who seized a luxury French yacht off Somalia last week, the Philippine government said Wednesday.
Le Ponant was carrying 30 crew, including 22 French citizens, but no passengers when it was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden on Friday. Six of the crew were from the Philippines.
French military officials in Paris said a French frigate and a plane from a military base in Djibouti were tracking the yacht. An anti-terrorist commando force was sent to the region to reinforce negotiation teams.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution, deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said in a statement.
"The safe return of the Filipinos must be of paramount importance," Golez said.
He said all the crew were safe and in good physical condition, and their families in the Philippines were informed of the situation.
The government was not aware of any demands from the hostage-takers and was coordinating with the French government, Foreign Undersecretary Esteban Conejos said Tuesday.
Philippine diplomats in Manama, Bahrain, have been instructed to seek assistance from the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, he said.
Conejos reiterated his government's policy of not negotiating directly with pirates.
"We leave it to the owner of the ship and manning agency," he said. "That's their obligation under international laws." (AP) |
