The group is undergoing quarantine and identity checks before being sent back to the Philippines, said Muhammad Akmal, head of the Class I Immigration Office in Palu.
During the quarantine period, the office will provide for all of their basic needs, including food and clothing, he said.
“We are taking statements and conducting formal examinations to confirm their identities and citizenship status,” Akmal said.
Immigration officers picked up the group from Buol, and they arrived at the Palu immigration office at around 10 a.m. local time, he added.
Authorities are verifying whether all of them are Filipino nationals or if there is a possibility that some may be from other countries but speak Filipino.
On the deportation plan, Akmal said his office was coordinating with the Philippine consulate in Manado, North Sulawesi, to ensure the repatriation process can be carried out as soon as possible.
“Once the examinations are completed and coordination with the consulate is done, we will seek to return them promptly to their home country,” he said.
One of the Filipinos, who gave his name as Banjir, expressed gratitude to local residents and Indonesian immigration officials for their assistance.
He said he and his family had drifted at sea for 13 days before they were rescued.
“For 13 days at sea, we had only one packet of biscuits. I didn’t eat, only shrimp, so that everyone could survive,” he said.
Local media earlier reported that the 15 Filipinos were stranded in Buol waters while on their way back to the Philippines. They were said to have been working in Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia.
Their boat was damaged after being hit by large waves during the voyage, leaving them adrift until they were rescued, the reports said.
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Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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