The Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People of the Philippine bishops' conference has offered to assist five Filipinos recently released by Somali pirates.
"We offer them our pastoral and spiritual support and other assistance that are in our commission’s capacity to provide," said Bishop Ruperto Santos, head of the commission.
The five Filipinos were among 26 seafarers recently freed by Somali pirates after being held captive for more than four years.
In a statement on Oct. 27, Bishop Santos urged Filipinos to welcome home the seafarers who were taken from a ship in the Indian Ocean.
"Their ordeal has no doubt been harrowing. Away from family, anxious, and fearful about their uncertain fate, they must have suffered great pain and anguish," said the prelate.
"We assure them of our continued prayers, and that of the loving embrace of their families and friends," said Bishop Santos.