Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LAGOS905
2006-06-26 16:37:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Consulate Lagos
Cable title:
PHILIPPINE HOSTAGES RELEASED
how-toVZCZCXRO0794 RR RUEHMA RUEHPA DE RUEHOS #0905 1771637 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 261637Z JUN 06 FM AMCONSUL LAGOS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7466 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RUEHUJA/AMEMBASSY ABUJA 7463 RUEHML/AMEMBASSY MANILA 0117 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC RUEPGDA/USEUCOM JIC VAIHINGEN GE RHMCSUU/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC RULSDMK/DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS LAGOS 000905
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED
DOE FOR GPERSON AND CGAYE
USDOC FOR 3317/ITA/OA/KBURRESS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EPET PGOV ASEC PETER CASC NI
SUBJECT: PHILIPPINE HOSTAGES RELEASED
REF: LAGOS 880
UNCLAS LAGOS 000905
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED
DOE FOR GPERSON AND CGAYE
USDOC FOR 3317/ITA/OA/KBURRESS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EPET PGOV ASEC PETER CASC NI
SUBJECT: PHILIPPINE HOSTAGES RELEASED
REF: LAGOS 880
1. (SBU) On June 25, Philippine Vice-Consul Arquiza
informed us about the release of the two Philippine oil
workers (reftel) who were kidnapped on June 20. The
Philippine hostages were released into the custody of Vice-
Consul Arquiza at the Government House in Port Harcourt,
Rivers State. After several days with no communication from
the kidnappers or hostages, Arquiza told us the Rivers State
Government informed Philippine officials they had custody of
the hostages. Arquiza indicated the hostages had been
roughed up, but were in reasonably good condition. The
Philippine Embassy is arranging their expeditious return to
the Philippines. Arquiza thanked the U.S. Mission for its
assistance in facilitating contact between the Philippine
Embassy and Rivers State officials.
2. (SBU) This kidnapping appears to have been motivated by
local community issues in Rivers State. The River State
government took the lead in resolving the hostage case. We
have not confirmed the conditions for the hostages'
release. One source from the security industry reported the
Filipinos were kidnapped because their boat had capsized a
local fishing vessel and caused a fisherman to drown. Also,
local press reported one possible explanation for the
hostage-taking is local community complaints that Petroleum
Geo-Services (PGS) failed to provide social amenities for
them in accordance their Memorandum of Understanding.
BROWNE#
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED
DOE FOR GPERSON AND CGAYE
USDOC FOR 3317/ITA/OA/KBURRESS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EPET PGOV ASEC PETER CASC NI
SUBJECT: PHILIPPINE HOSTAGES RELEASED
REF: LAGOS 880
1. (SBU) On June 25, Philippine Vice-Consul Arquiza
informed us about the release of the two Philippine oil
workers (reftel) who were kidnapped on June 20. The
Philippine hostages were released into the custody of Vice-
Consul Arquiza at the Government House in Port Harcourt,
Rivers State. After several days with no communication from
the kidnappers or hostages, Arquiza told us the Rivers State
Government informed Philippine officials they had custody of
the hostages. Arquiza indicated the hostages had been
roughed up, but were in reasonably good condition. The
Philippine Embassy is arranging their expeditious return to
the Philippines. Arquiza thanked the U.S. Mission for its
assistance in facilitating contact between the Philippine
Embassy and Rivers State officials.
2. (SBU) This kidnapping appears to have been motivated by
local community issues in Rivers State. The River State
government took the lead in resolving the hostage case. We
have not confirmed the conditions for the hostages'
release. One source from the security industry reported the
Filipinos were kidnapped because their boat had capsized a
local fishing vessel and caused a fisherman to drown. Also,
local press reported one possible explanation for the
hostage-taking is local community complaints that Petroleum
Geo-Services (PGS) failed to provide social amenities for
them in accordance their Memorandum of Understanding.
BROWNE#