Somali pirates release two more Filipinos

Manila: Somali pirates have freed two more Filipino sailors, leaving 45 on two other ships still in their hands, a Philippine official said on Saturday.

Foreign Undersecretary Esteban Conejos said the two men were among 29 crew members on the Iranian carrier Iran Deyanat freed late on Friday.

The ship was hijacked August 21 in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia's coast.

Conejos said the crewmen were reportedly "safe and in good condition" and the ship was sailing to Muscat, Oman.

He said they were expected to reach Oman on Monday. It was not clear if a ransom was paid.

On Thursday, the Japanese-operated bulk carrier Stella Maris and its 20 Filipino crew members were released after being held by pirates for more than 80 days.