The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration advised the public that the deployment of Filipino workers in Nigeria was suspended.

The suspension was ordered by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo due to the kidnapping of six Filipinos here.

The six OFWs were among 14 crew members working for the general cargo ship Baco Liner, a German operated cargo ship. They were believed seized by members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, although, according to some news, the group claimed that they are responsible for the kidnapping.  

According to Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye, the president ordered the temporary ban in deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Nigeria until the security of Filipinos there is ensured.

The information of the six OFWs are still undisclosed, but the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) are trying to communicate with their manning agent to established their identities.

The DFA also said that the Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Masaranga Umpa has assigned Vice-Consul Randy Arquiza and Assistance to Nationals Officer Camalodin Manggis of the Philippine Embassy in Nigeria coordinates with the Nigerian authorities to ensure their safety and release.