MANILA, Philippines — Two more Filipino seafarers have been kidnapped by pirates in West Africa, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Tuesday, 11 November 2019.

Philippine embassy in Abuja received a report of the incident that occurred in Togo.

The total of 11 kidnapped Filipino seafarers in West Africa and nine others were seized in Benin on Nov. 2.

The Norwegian vessel MV Bonita’s captain was among the nine seafarers captured by pirates.

“The government is tracking the development of the case with the embassy in Abuja, with the embassy coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of the Filipino seafarers,” the DFA stated.

However, Filipino seafarers will not receive additional payment if their boats cross the Strait of Hormuz.

Under the POEA law, Filipino seafarers on board foreign ships are given double payment when entering high-risk zones or declared pirate-infested areas.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) withdrew the designation of the Hormuz Strait as a temporary extended threat area.

The Strait of Hormuz is found between the Persian Gulf and also the Gulf of Oman.

It’s the only way from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. (Cate Pallarco/IAMIGO/CNS)