19 April 2008

France has called on the international community to step up the war on piracy after a French vessel was hijacked, and its crew that included six Filipinos, were hostaged by Somali pirates.

Rampant piracy in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia should mobilize the international community to a “determined fight” against this scourge, the French Embassy in Manila said.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said that necessary steps must be taken to combat hijacking and hostage taking in the high seas.

“France, who took the initiative for Operation Alycon to escort WFP humanitarian ships sailing to Somalia, considers it necessary to go further, especially at the United Nations. Discussions have started in New York with our partners to move forward on this,” he said.

The United Nations World Food Program has appealed for international action to stop Somali pirates who have been threatening the delivery of supplies to Somalia.

Some cargo ships contracted by the United Nations program have refused to leave port for Somalia until they are provided security for travel through Somali waters.

The latest incident involved the hostage taking of 30 crew members of the Le Ponant cruise ship who have since been released. The crew included six Filipinos who arrived in the country the other day.

The seafarers were onboard Cathay Pacific flight number CX901 which arrived just before noon.

The six seafarers were identified as: Marisol Abalos, 25, cabin stewardess from San Mateo Rizal; Gary Caingat, 27, waiter from Tandang Sora, Quezon City; Gilbert Glorioso, 30, waiter from Antipolo City; Victor Rebanal, 35, waiter from Polangui, Albay; Alexander Hibi, 28, utility man from Tondo, Manila; and Domingo Barayang, 35, second cook, from Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Michael Caber