DOLE: Pinoys among those kidnapped off Nigeria

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday confirmed that one or two Filipinos were among the seafarers kidnapped by pirates off the coast of Nigeria.    

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the government has already received a report on the incident and that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is coordinating with proper authorities.

He could not be sure though if it is just one Filipino among the 12 crewmembers of a Swiss merchant vessel kidnapped by the pirates last Saturday.    

“We already got a report and the next of kin of the Filipino seafarer was informed about the situation,” Bello said in an interview.

“We don’t have a Philippine Overseas Labor Office there so it’s the Department of Foreign Affairs which is handling the case.” ?

Meanwhile, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has adopted new guidelines in the computation of salaries and other benefits of Filipino seafarers transiting through areas with warlike and high-risk designations.?

Under the guidelines, seafarers passing through high-risk areas, including waters of Nigeria, will receive bonus payable for the actual duration of transit.

Double compensation will be provided in case of death and disability. ?

Seafarers may also refuse to sail and the repatriation cost shouldered by the company. ?