21 Pinoy fishermen repatriated from Indonesia

DAVAO CITY — At least 21 Filipino fishermen who were caught fishing illegally in the Indonesian territorial waters were repatriated and arrived here late Wednesday afternoon from Manado, North Sulawesi.

Sixteen of the 21 fishermen were caught aboard F/BCA Aries Salvador last March 22 while the six others were apprehended last March 29 on board F/BCA Ocean Cruiser. The fishermen were reportedly from General Santos City and the adjacent areas in South Cotabato.

Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Bahnarin Guinomla met the repatriated fishermen who arrived on board Air Philippines Flight 2P 546 at the Davao International Airport.

Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development likewise met the fishermen for the regular processing and assistance procedures upon arrival. They were immediately brought to the local DSWD office here where they underwent medical check-up and were given financial assistance for their fares in going back to their respective places.

Two other fishermen were reportedly still left in the port city of Bitung where they were detained but are expected to be freed soon once the necessary repatriation documents are accomplished.

For the month of May alone, Indonesia has reportedly repatriated 46 Filipino fishermen, 25 of them were sent home last May 22.

The governments of the two countries have drawn up mechanisms on possible joint venture agreements between Filipino and Indonesia fishermen in an effort to resolve the recurring problem on illegal fishing.

Indonesia has reportedly recently eased down on their arrest of Filipino fishermen illegally encroaching into their territorial waters. Indonesian officials have complained of lack of budget to feed the fishermen should their detention be lengthened.

Unlike before when Filipino fishermen were detained for a period of almost a year, these days, they are kept in a jail in Bitung for three months at the most.