Three Filipino seafarers and a Ukrainian national on board an oil-services ship were released on the same day of their capture off Nigerian waters bordering Camaroon.

According to Vice-President and Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino workers Noli de Castro, the seafarers were on board M/V Seal Tide hijacked on March 14.

“All of the victims were released within the same day, in the afternoon of March 14.  The report said that they are feeling well and are presently staying in the Nigerian town of Kalabar,” De Castro said in a press statement.

De Castro said the seafarers’ vessel was reportedly attacked by a military group of the Movement for Liberation of the Niger River Delta.

Philippine Consul General in Nigeria Alex LaMadrid said that the information regarding the release was given by Ukraine’s Embassy in Nigeria. 
 
De Castro, meanwhile, reiterated his call on the local manning agency and the principal of 23 other Filipinos still being held hostage by Somali pirates. The Pinoys are crewmembers of M/T Stolt Strength seized by Somali pirates last year.

“I am warning Sea Cap and Sagana Shipping Inc., either face revocation of your licenses or work earnestly for the safe release of our seamen. You should not be allowed to continue your operations if you cannot ensure the safe deployment of our seafarers,” De Castro said.