President Arroyo suspends deployment of Filipino workers to Nigeria
24th January 2007
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday ordered the temporary suspension of all deployment of overseas workers to Nigeria following the kidnapping of six Filipinos over the weekend.
This is the third time that the Philippines barred the deployment of Filipinos to other countries after Iraq – at the height of the campaign against former president Saddam Hussein – and Lebanon following the civil war there last year.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is now coordinating with the Nigerian Government to ensure the safety and eventual the release of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
“The President is monitoring the situation as the DFA works in the field in coordination with the Nigerian authorities to ensure the safety and secure the release of the kidnapped victims. In the meantime, the President has ordered a temporary halt to deployments to Nigeria until the security of our nationals is guaranteed,? he said.
Foreign Affairs undersecretary for Migrant Workers Esteban Conejos Jr. said they are now in contact with the vessel owner and the agency that sent the OFWs to Nigeria.
Conejos said they could not release the names of the Filipinos yet until they have ascertained their identities and informed their families.
Report said an unidentified group took hostage in the Niger Delta a cargo ship heading towards the port of Warri, where the six Filipinos were working. A Nigerian was also taken hostage with them.
The kidnappers were demanding the release of a prisoner being held by the Nigerian Government for treason.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, which brings to nine the total number of foreigners currently being held hostage in the country. (JMR/Sunnex)