DFA locates missing Filipino inmate in Indonesia

October 4, 2018

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday has located the Filipino inmate who was earlier reported missing following a mass jailbreak from the earthquake-damaged prison in Palu, Indonesia, where he was serving a sentence.

In its report to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, the Philippine Consulate General in Manado said they were able to contact the inmate, whom they add is safe and in good condition.

Consul General Oscar Orcine said the inmate has been staying with a friend near Pitogo Village in Palu since leaving prison following the September 28 earthquake that struck Central Sulawesi.

Orcine said the Filipino told him he had permission from the warden of the Lapas Penitentiary to seek refuge at his friend’s place after the prison wall collapsed due to the earthquake.

The inmate, who is serving a 14-year sentence for illegal drug possession, said he could not be reached  because cellular signal was lost and his mobile phone battery ran out.

Orcine said other than being tired and lacking sleep, the inmate, a native of Sulu, is fine. He, however, said he has limited stock of food and water.

He assured Orcine he will be returning to the penitentiary and report to the warden as he wants to complete his sentence and not complicate matters for himself for failing to return.

Orcine said the Filipino is the longest serving detainee at Lapas, having been in prison for seven years. He said he enjoys the trust of prison officials who had tasked him to help manage 800 inmates there.

Orcine said the warden had recommended the Filipino convict for parole and that the Consulate General is helping facilitate this.

Orcine said he had asked local contacts to provide the Filipino inmate with food and water. DMS