DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
P R E S S  R E L E A S E
www.dfa.gov.ph                                                                             2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines                                                                        Tel. No. 834-4000 
SFA-AGR-083-07                                                                                                                                                            17 February 2007

PRESIDENT ARROYO LEADS THE NATION IN WELCOMING 24 FILIPINO SEAMEN HOME  

17 February 2007—The 24 Filipino seamen abducted in Nigeria on 24 January 2007 have returned home, ending their long ordeal that included 24 days of captivity in the hands of militants in that West African country.  

The seamen arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport early tonight from Hong Kong via Cathay Pacific flight CX 903.  Their long flight home began with a four-and-half-hour flight from Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, to London yesterday at about 5 pm Manila time.  DFA Undersecretary Esteban Conejos Jr., Ambassador Masaranga Umpa and other Philippine Embassy officials saw the seamen off at the Abuja airport. With the seamen throughout the trip was DFA Assistance-to-Nationals Officer Edwin Battallones.  

On hand to welcome back the returning seamen at the airport are DFA Officer-in-Charge for Migrant Workers Affairs Mariano Dumia, OWWA Deputy Administrator Adam Musa and other officials.  

On the night before their flight home, the Filipino seamen were feted to a dinner by the Filipino community in Abuja and surrounding cities at the Philippine Embassy grounds.  

On the night of their arrival in Manila, the seamen will be brought from the airport to Malacanang Palace where they will be reunited with their families.  President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, leading the nation in expressing welcome and thanksgiving, will host a dinner for the seamen and their families at the Heroes Hall. END 

CREWMEMBERS OF BACO LINER 2

1.   Roble, Ruben B.          

:  Master

2.   Nacionales, Elmer N.       

:  Chief Officer

3.   Abellana, Carlos A.          

:  2nd Officer

4.   Agacid, Mauro R.             

:  3rd Officer

5.   Arcangel, Roberto D.   

:  Chief Engineer

6.   Nebit, Cirilo S.                  

:  2nd Engineer

7.   Cagas, Herculano T.        

:  3rd Engineer

8    Gaspi, Edilberto G.          

:  Electro-Tech Officer

9.   Landasan, Sukarno S.    

:  Bosun

10. Sarcia, Rogelio S.         

:  Key Ab

11. Bernales, Jonel E.           

:  Key Ab

12. lsidro, Manolo E.             

:  Able Bodied Seaman

13. Mendez, Marlon M.         

:  Able Bodied Seaman

14. Corpuz, Ronaldo C.        

:  Ordinary Seaman

15. Hidalgo , Joven R.            

:  Ordinary Seaman

16. Talde, Jose E.                  

:  Ordinary Seaman

17. Mayo, Samson B.             

:  Deck Fitter

18. Sebastian, Henry P.         

:  Engine Fitter

19. Saguid, Jonie S.              

:  Motorman

20. Ellera, Edgardo R.           

:  Motorman

21. Nacionales, Evelio Y.       

:  Motorman

22. Caladman, Marcelino C.

:  Chief Cook

23. Aquino, Nelson E.            

:  2nd Cook

24. Valdez , Herman V.      

:  Steward

/jay

(Home)