Pinoy fishermen held in Indonesia assured of due process

MANILA, Philippines — The government has assured the families of 53 Filipino fishermen detained for illegal fishing in Indonesia that their rights would be protected.

Consul General to Manado Oscar Orcine recently met with officials of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of Davao City and General Santos City and seven boat owners and operators to provide an update on the cases of the fishermen.

During the meeting, Orcine discussed with BFAR officials the anti-illegal fishing policy of the Indonesian government.

Orcine said the Filipinos, currently under the custody of the Marine and Fisheries Resources Base in Bitung and the Immigration Detention Center in Manado, are all in good condition.