After being stranded in Buol, 15 Filipino WNA were processed for repatriation.

The Immigration Office of Class I TPI Palu has transferred 15 Filipino foreign nationals stranded in the waters of Buol Regency, Central Sulawesi to the Manado Immigration Detention House (Rudenim) in North Sulawesi for the repatriation process to their home country, Sunday (22/2/2026). (ANTARA)

PALU - The Immigration Office of Class I TPI (Kanim) Palu has transferred 15 foreign nationals (WNA) from the Philippines who were stranded in the waters of Buol Regency, Central Sulawesi, in January 2026 to the Immigration Detention House (Rudenim) Manado, North Sulawesi for the process of verifying documents and repatriation to the country of origin.

"According to the instructions of the Director General of Immigration, we are ordered to escort the detainees (foreign nationals). Furthermore, the verification process will be carried out through the Philippine Consulate in Manado," said Head of the Immigration Office Class I TPI Palu Muhammad Akmal, quoted by Antra Sunday, February 22.

He explained that for about a month in Central Sulawesi, foreign nationals undergo the process of handling and checking their identities and during that time basic needs such as food and clothing are provided by the Immigration.

"The escort of the detainees by land from Palu to Manado on the way is estimated to take approximately 24 hours. We have sent the foreign nationals this Sunday morning," he said.

Akmal said the transfer of foreign nationals was escorted by 15 Kanim Palu officers, during the departure process the group was escorted by Palu Police personnel to the departure terminal before continuing their journey to Manado.

Previously, the 15 foreign nationals were stranded for 13 days in the waters of Buol Regency after the boat they were on was hit by waves. They were found in a safe condition by local fishermen and were later handled by the Kamin Palu.

He explained that upon arrival in Manado, the administrative process and handling of travel documents (travel documents) for repatriation to the Philippines will be handled by Rudenim Manado while coordinating with the Philippine Consulate.

"After the handover process in Manado, the next handling is the responsibility of the Rudenim Manado until the repatriation process for foreign nationals is carried out," said Akmal.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Intelligence and Immigration Enforcement Section of the Immigration Office of Class I TPI Palu, Octavianus Malisan, said his party had reported the handling of the detainees to the head of the institution to get further instructions.

"Regarding immigration documents, we have also coordinated with the Philippine Consulate General regarding the process of issuing and verifying documents," he said.

He added that until now the status of the foreign citizen's citizenship is still in the process of verification by the Philippine Consulate, so it cannot be confirmed officially.

This is because there is information that some babies were born in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia, and recorded as Malaysian citizens, so they still need further clarification.

"Verification of the administrative documents of foreign nationals continues to be processed in line with the process of returning them to their home countries," said Oktavianus.