ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 18, 2013) – Five Filipino boat people, including a two-year old boy, were rescued off Indonesia after being drifted in December last year during a typhoon in the southern Philippines, Filipino officials told the Mindanao Examiner on Friday.
Officials said the boat people are all Badjao natives of Siasi Island in Sulu Archipelago and have been identified as Masuring Dusing and his wife Mudaya and child Badaya; Bersabe Andigel, and Jimjiani Julki, who said they were drifted out at sea for one month after running out of fuel.
They said that they live at the vicinity of Siasi pier and only know two people in their hometown – Herman Asilon, a Councilman, and Suahili Paraja, who is a policeman.
Officials said the outpouring of sympathy and assistance given by the people of Manado and Bitung, including a large presence of the local press, made them instant celebrities.
The Philippine Consulate General in Manado and its staff led by Consul General Jose D.R. Burgos, Vice Consul Jan Sherwin Wenceslao, and Dr. Blesilda Burgos, the Consul General’s wife, visited the boat people to distribute goodies, clothes, toiletries, and toys for the boy.
Manado Vice Mayor Harley Mangindaan also visited the boat people to ensure their condition and well-being.
The Consulate also sought the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Regional Consular Office in Zamboanga City to inform their next-of-kin, relatives, and friends in Siasi and that a request has been made to the Philippines for the repatriation of the boat people.
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