Envoy seeks release of Pinoy seafarers held hostage by pirates

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

31 Oct 2011

The Philippines' new representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is seeking the release of Filipino seafarers being detained by pirates.

IMO Secretary General Efthimios Mitropoulos promised to look into the matter when Ambassador Enrique Manalo presented his Letter of Credence to him in London on October 24.
The ceremony officially marked the start of the term of Manalo as the Philippine Permanent Representative to the IMO.
"Upon the request of the Ambassador, Secretary General Mitropoulos promised to look into the early release of Filipino seafarers still detained by pirates by discussing their situation with the ship owners who are responsible for negotiating their release," the Philippine Embassy in London said.
There were more than 300,000 Filipino seafarers in the international maritime fleet.
The IMO is scheduled to convene its bi-annual Assembly from November 21 to 30 in London.
The Philippines is seeking re-election to the IMO Council under Category "C," and Manalo informed Mitropoulos of the effort and determination exerted by the Philippine government towards a successful re-election.
"The two officials promised to work closely on issues of concern to both the Philippines and IMO," the embassy said.
Source: GMA News