MANILA, Philippines – Efforts are underway for the release of 81 Filipino seafarers who were abducted by Somali pirates, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Since 2006, 45 ships have been hijacked in the Gulf of Aden, and 542 Filipino seafarers have been abducted. Out of the 542, 461 seafarers on board 39 vessels have been freed, the DFA said in a statement on Tuesday.

“It is against government policy to negotiate directly with the pirates,” the DFA said.

“The DFA closely coordinates with the manning agencies and the ships' principals who are directly undertaking efforts to secure the safe release of the ships and its crew.”

No Filipino seafarer has been intentionally hurt by the pirates, according to the DFA.

DFA Migrant Workers Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos said the government is ensuring that the seafarers' manning agencies continue to give the salaries and financial benefits of the victims to their families. 

Foreign affairs officials also meet with the families to update them on the condition of their next of kin, he added.

The government has sent Armed Forces liaison officer Navy Lieutenant Gaudencio Collado to work and coordinate with the Joint Naval Forces on anti-piracy efforts at the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

Collado is based in Bahrain, where the Joint Naval Forces headquarters in located.

The DFA is also seeking Philippine membership in the United Nations Contact Group Against Policy.

Carlos Sorreta, the Philippines' deputy permanent representative to the United Nations in New York City, has urged the UN Security Council for greater global cooperation in the fight against piracy off the coast of Somalia.

He welcomed a report of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon containing proposals that seek to address the issue.

"To fight piracy, we believe that broader cooperation is key and it is in this context that we welcome the report of the secretary-general. The security, protection, and welfare of Filipino seafarers have always been the primary concerns of the Philippine Government - concerns which I am sure are shared by others with nationals serving on these ships," he said in a UN Security Council meeting held on August 25.

In calling for greater global action, Sorreta cited the importance of giving due regard to the victims, saying "beyond ships and cargoes, there is the crew."

"Many suffer prolonged captivity, some as long as ten months. It is a testimony to their courage, clear thinking and fortitude that they survive.  It is a tribute to their resilience and that of their families that many are able to return to the sea," he added.

Sorreta also believes that the root causes of piracy can be found in the current political and security situation in Somalia.

"Piracy is a grave threat to international security and we join others in citing the importance of addressing its roots causes through a comprehensive approach.  We are grateful to the many countries involved and committed to this task," he stressed.