DFA repatriates 15 Filipino fishing boat captains from Indonesia

August 22, 2018

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has repatriated 15 Filipino fishing boat captains imprisoned by Indonesian authorities for fishing illegally in their waters.

The DFA, in a statement Wednesday, said five other Filipinos who were held for overstaying were also repatriated by the Philippine Consulate General in Manado on Monday.

The DFA said the boat captains were released to officials of the Consulate General after serving jail terms of from five months to three years after they were arrested for illegal fishing.

“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.

He said the boat captains were also given welfare assistance of P5,000.00 each before they boarded their flights to the Philippines.

Orcine said the Consulate General also assisted the other five repatriates from two families in returning to the Philippines.

He said the Consulate General successfully lobbied with Indonesian authorities in getting the five released simultaneously. DMS