MOST of the 177 Indonesians that were apprehended last week for holding Filipino passports are headed home on Sunday as the Bureau of Immigration dismissed the deportation charges against them.
According to BI Spokesperson Antonette Mangarobang, the 168 foreigners will be flying out of the country on Sept. 4.
“The deportation charges against them have been dismissed. Investigation revealed that they are victims of the Filipinos who were found to have facilitated their foiled pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. They are scheduled to depart early tomorrow morning [September 4],” she said.
Mangrobang added, “There is already a confirmed booking for tomorrow via Air Asia 7 a.m.”
She noted that the nine others will remain in the country to be witness against the Filipinos who victimized them.
“The nine will stay behind as they are found to be vital witnesses against the Filipinos,” the BI official explained, noting that they will be under the custody of the Indonesian embassy.
Asked if the Indonesians will be blacklisted or will be in the watchlist, Mangrobang said, “No. Because the deportation charges have been dismissed because they are victims.”
She said that the Indonesians shouldered their tickets. “May ticket sila pabalik ng bansa nila from here. I’m not sure if they would use the ticket they already bought may round trip naman.”