MANILA, Philippines—Three Filipino seafarers on board a Belgian vessel were freed by Somali pirates Saturday, leaving 44 Filipino seafarers in four vessels still in their custody, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday.
In a statement, the department quoted the Philippine embassy in Nairobi which confirmed the release of MV Pompei and its crew following reports from the Belgian government over the weekend.
Embassy officials also confirmed that the three Filipinos are in good health.
The department said it is awaiting information from the vessel’s principal on the repatriation of the Filipino seafarers.
MV Pompei was captured by Somali pirates in April this year.
