Immigration Authorities Quarantined 15 Philippines Nationals Ahead of Repatriation

Palu: Indonesian immigration authorities in Palu, Central Sulawesi, have quarantined 15 Philippines nationals who were stranded in waters off Buol District and are preparing to repatriate them after completing identity verification, an official said on Monday.

Head of the Class I Immigration Office in Palu, Muhammad Akmal, said the group is undergoing quarantine and administrative examinations to confirm their citizenship status before being returned to the Philippines.

“We are currently collecting statements and conducting formal checks to verify their identities and nationality,” Akmal said, as quoted by Antara on Monday, January 26, 2026.

During the quarantine period, immigration authorities are providing basic necessities, including food and clothing.

The group was transported from Buol to the Palu Immigration Office, arriving at around 10 a.m. local time. Akmal noted that authorities are also verifying whether all individuals are Philippines nationals, as there is a possibility that some may originate from other countries despite speaking Philippines.

Regarding the repatriation process, Akmal said his office is coordinating with the Philippine Consulate in Manado, North Sulawesi, to facilitate their return as soon as possible.

“Once the verification process is completed and coordination with the consulate is finalized, we will proceed with their repatriation,” he said.

One of the stranded individuals, identified as Banjir, expressed gratitude to local residents and Indonesian officials for their assistance. He said the group had been adrift at sea for 13 days before being rescued.

“For 13 days at sea, we had only one packet of biscuits. I survived by eating shrimp so the others could eat,” he said.

Earlier reports said the group had been traveling from Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia, back to the Philippines when their boat was damaged by high waves, leaving them stranded at sea before being rescued in Buol waters.