Suspected Somali pirates hijacked a chemical tanker with 23 all-Filipino crew members on board in the Gulf of Aden.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Esteban Conejos Jr. confirmed that the hijacking incident happened late Monday.

Citing reports from the Philippine embassy in Nairobi and the ship owner, Conejos identified the hijacked vessel as M/T Stolt Strength.

The vessel is a Philippine-flagged and -operated chemical tanker.

According to a text message sent to abs-cbnNEWS.com by DFA spokesman Claro Cristobal, all crew members were unharmed.

The DFA is coordinating with the ship's principal on efforts to secure the early and safe release of the vessel and crew.