Indonesia holding 253 Filipino fishermen, says DFA

MANILA, Philippines–At least 253 Filipino fishermen are detained in Birau, West Kalimantan, after they were arrested for illegal fishing in Indonesian waters on Nov. 21, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.

DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, quoting the Philippine consulate in Manado, said the Filipinos were among 463 fishermen arrested while on board 153 fishing boats owned by a Malaysian.

Most of the Filipinos were from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, but were residents of Birau, Jose said.

“Our consulate will visit them in Birau,” he said in a text message, adding the consulate will send an updated report after confirming the circumstances of the arrest of the Filipino fishermen.–Christine O. Avendaño