49 Filipino fishermen deported

49 Filipino fishermen deported

MANADO, North Sulawesi: The North Sulawesi immigration office deported on Thursday 49 Filipino fishermen from Samratulangi Airport in Manado.

Manado immigration official Doddy Soesiolo said on Thursday that the fishermen were apprehended on Jan. 27 for entering Indonesian waters illegally.

Doddy said that all deportation fees had been shouldered by the Filipino government through its Consulate General in Manado.

Indonesia agreed not to press charges against the fishermen after the Filipino government launched a strong protest over the sinking of four fishing boats belonging to the Filipino fishermen last week. -- Antara