DFA repatriates 15 Filipinos arrested for illegal fishing in Indonesia

Fifteen Filipino boat captains were repatriated to the Philippines after being imprisoned in Indonesia for illegal fishing, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday.

The fishermen were released to officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Manado after serving jail terms ranging from five months to three years, the DFA said in a statement.

“Before leaving for the Philippines, the boat captains expressed their appreciation for the welfare assistance extended to them while they were still in prison,” Consul General Oscar
Orcine said.

Orcine noted that the boat captains were given welfare assistance of P5,000 each before they boarded their flights to the Philippines.

Meanwhile, five other Filipinos who were held for overstaying were also repatriated by the Philippine Consulate General in Manado City last Monday.   /vvp