RRI.CO.ID, Palu - The Palu Class I Immigration Office has officially initiated the deportation and document verification process for 15 Filipino nationals who were stranded in Central Sulawesi waters earlier this year.

After a month-long stay in Palu, the group was moved on Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, to the Manado Immigration Detention Center (Rudenim) in North Sulawesi. This transfer marks a critical step in coordinating with the Philippine Consulate to formalize their return to their home country following a harrowing maritime ordeal.

The group’s journey to the detention center involves a 24-hour overland trek from Palu to Manado, under the strict supervision of 15 immigration officers and a security escort from the Palu City Police. Muhammad Akmal, Head of the Palu Class I Immigration Office, confirmed that the move follows direct orders from the Directorate General of Immigration.

"Following the Director General's directives, we have been ordered to escort these detainees. Subsequently, the verification process will be conducted through the Philippine Consulate in Manado," remarked Akmal, as quoted by Antara.

He added that the transition of authority to the Manado Rudenim will take effect immediately upon arrival. The 15 individuals were originally rescued by local fishermen after their vessel was battered by heavy waves, leaving them adrift for 13 days in the waters of Buol Regency.

Since their rescue in January, immigration officials in Palu have focused on providing humanitarian aid to the group. They ensured that basic needs such as food, clothing, and medical checks were met while preliminary identity screenings were conducted.

Akmal emphasized that the safety and well-being of the group remained a priority throughout their month-long processing period in Central Sulawesi.

However, the legal path to repatriation faces unique bureaucratic hurdles regarding the official citizenship status of some members in the group. Head of Intelligence and Immigration Enforcement in Palu, Octavianus Malisan revealed that while they are coordinating closely with the Philippine Consulate General, certain complexities have emerged.

Reports suggest that some infants within the group were born in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia, and were initially recorded as Malaysian citizens, necessitating thorough clarification before travel documents can be issued.

Despite these administrative complications, the Immigration teams are working in tandem to ensure the process remains on track.

"The verification of the foreigners' administrative documents continues to progress alongside the process of their repatriation to their country of origin," noted Octavianus.

Once the handover in Manado is complete, the Manado Rudenim will hold full jurisdiction over the final administrative steps and the eventual logistics of the group's return to the Philippines. ***

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