Filipino seamen back home after ordeal with Somali pirates
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/04/2008 8:33 PM
Printer-friendly version | 
Send to friend | 
Share your views
After more than a month in captivity, the 14 Filipino seafarers who were freed by Somali pirates have reunited with their families after arriving in Manila Saturday.
The 14 Filipino seafarers arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 via Malaysian airlines MH 704 past 2 p.m.
The freed hostages were identified as Romulo Buhayang, Ariel Obja-an, Rodolfo Buinanao Jr., Benito Adecer, Macarion Pacione III, Ronan Maranan, Rading Maguan, Leo Andrew Sitjar and Eleanor Madriga of Bunga Melati 2; and Eduardo Lasprillas, Aldrin Palomo, Manuel America Jr., Rhageb Salabao and Ulyseise Maguslong, of Bunga Melati 5.
Also brought home were the remains of Jayson Dumagat, of Bunga Melati 2, who died reportedly due to a stray bullet when pirates boarded their ship.
The seamen were among those taken hostage by Somali pirates at the Gulf of Aden last August.
The pirates have released the hostages after ship owner Malaysia International Shipping Co. paid millions of dollars in ransom in exchange of the captives.
“Matindi ang pinagdaanan namin sa kamay ng mga hijacker,” said Sitjar upon arrival at the airport.
However, he admitted being fortunate not to have suffered the same fate that befell his co-crew member Dumagat.
Dumagat left behind his wife Lenny, who is six months pregnant.
“Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko ngayon... iniwan niya ako na ganito,” she said.
However, the hostage victims said that despite their ordeal they have suffered in the hands of the Somali pirates they will still work at sea.
Meanwhile, the shipping company the Filipino seafarers worked for assured the seamen that they will be given benefits and insurance. With a report from Apples Jalandoni, ABS-CBN News
