Filipino fishermen to be repatriated

PALU, Central Sulawesi: Six Filipino fishermen arrested for fishing in local waters are to be sent home as soon as possible, head of the local immigration office Husin Alaydrus said.

They were found in the Buol Tolitoli regency, Central Sulawesi, Antara reported.

Husin said they failed to show proper travel documents. One of the fishermen, Rhenante Alferez, said that their boat had been swept off course by a storm and that the engine had broken down.

Husin added that the consulate general of the Philippines in Manado, North Sulawesi, sent a letter to his office inquiring on the status of the Filipinos.

The consulate expressed gratitude for the assistance to the stranded fishermen.

Husin said his office would help provide travel documents for the men. (byg)