The Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said the repatriation of the eight Filipinos detained in Myanmar is underway.
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Tess Daza said coordination and representations are continuing for eight Filipinos confirmed in the custody of the Myanmar police in Myawaddy for alleged immigration violations.
“The Philippine Embassy in Yangon maintains active and regular contact with Myanmar’s law enforcement authorities in Nay Pyi Taw and Myawaddy to secure the safety and well-being of the said Filipinos and assist them in returning home the soonest time possible,” Daza told reporters in a text message.
She noted that the Myanmar authorities have assured cooperation in the plan to repatriate the Filipinos.
“The Filipinos are expected to be able to exit Myanmar for the Philippines after completing the processes of law enforcement agencies, primarily immigration,” she said.
Earlier this week, the family of Keila Samson appealed to the government for help after learning that she had been arrested while on a tour in Thailand.
According to the Samson family, Keila went on a trip to Thailand with her friend last December. However, they received a call from her on 19 January asking for help after she was detained in Myawaddy in southeastern Myanmar, a township bordering Mae Sot in Thailand.
The Samsons said there were other Filipinos detained in the police station along with Keila.