25 February 2015 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in coordination with the Philippine Consulate General in Manado, repatriated 43 Filipino fishermen of Fishing Vessel KM Love Merben 2 on February 23, from Jakarta, Indonesia. They were received by DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jesus I. Yabes at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The 43 Filipino fishermen were apprehended on September 16, 2014 in Ternate, North Maluku for illegaly fishing in Indonesian waters. They were not in possession of passports nor travel documents when they entered Indonesia. According to the fishermen, they were abandoned by their employer, Citra Mina, whom they accused of maltreatment. They alleged that they were not enrolled by Citra Mina with SSS and PhilHealth. They further claimed that the master of their fishing vessel, Mr. Alan Abi, was able to evade the arresting Indonesian authorities.

The Filipino fishermen informed Undersecretary Yabes of their intention to file the necessary complaint against Citra Mina before the appropriate authorities in the Philippines arising from the maltreatment and abandonment they suffered. END