Twelve Filipino seafarers, who were released by Somali pirates, have been reunited with their families.

The seafarers arrived on board Malaysian Airlines Flight MH 704 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.
 
The Pinoy seafarers were among the service crew of LPG tanker MV Longchamp seized by pirates two months ago.

Ship captain Nestor Magboo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the government and its concerned agencies that worked hard for their immediate release.

Magboo believes ransom was paid by their company to the pirates. However, he does not know the amount of money and how it was paid.

He advised captains and the crew of other ships sailing the Gulf of Aden to remain alert and do all safety measures to avert a repeat of their fate.

Meanwhile, Captain Helmut Sallaba, chairman of BSM Crew Service Center, praised the hostaged Pinoy seamen for their courage and dedication to work despite the fact that their lives were placed in danger when some of the pirates smoked on board the LPG tanker vessel.

Sallaba also refused to comment on whether they paid ransom in exchange of the freedom of the Pinoy seafarers.