DFA: 300 Filipinos detained in Malaysia

MANILA, Philippines — Hundreds of Filipinos were detained in Malaysia following a crackdown on illegal immigrants last month, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed yesterday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is closely monitoring the situation that has so far affected up to 300 Filipinos, according to Cayetano.

“We have the individual names and we have asked that they be given consular services,” he said.

“Several Filipinos entered (Malaysia) as tourists but are really there to look for jobs. Malaysia has an amnesty program and willing to deport them,” he added.

Cayetano said the Philippine government was resolving problems involving Filipino workers in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah.

“We are working with the new Malaysian government and my counterpart to try to solve these problems,” he said, referring to the new administration of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad.

Cayetano said President Duterte has ordered the DFA to give assistance to all Filipinos detained in other countries.

Reports said Malaysian authorities have rounded up more than 3,000 illegal immigrants since it enforced stricter immigration rules last month.