Second batch of Filipinos deported
BINTULU: The second batch of illegal immigrants from Southern Philippines, including 38 babies and 69 children, were deported from Bintulu Port at 2pm yesterday.
The 260 Suluks and Bajaus - aged between five days and 63 years -- who were in Miri illegally, left on board the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) ship KD Mahawangsa.
State Immigration Department enforcement chief Garry Belayong John Sikie said the deportees were expected to reach the TLDM port in Sabah tomorrow (June 25).
They would then travel by ferry to Zamboanga in the Philippines.
“For the time being, we are still waiting for an order by the top management of the Immigration Department for the third deportation trip,” said Garry.
He said the Sabah Immigration Department has reported that the first batch of 253 deportees were sent back to Zamboanga yesterday (June 23).
“For this trip, we are still in negotiations with a ferry in Sandakan and they are expected to be deported home to Zamboanga on Tuesday next week,” he added.
A total of 23 Immigration officers and three medical staff, including a doctor, are on board the TLDM ship to ensure a smooth deportation process.
On the total number of illegal immigrants from the Philippines recorded in Miri, Garry said todate 780 Suluks and Bajaus have been given travel documents by the Philippines Embassy for deportation.
“This is an ongoing effort by the state government to send illegal immigrants back to their country and it is through cooperation between the state government and other relevant enforcement agencies.
“Today we are being assisted by Bintulu Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the People’s Volunteer Corps,” he said.
He pointed out that some of the illegal immigrants have been in Miri since the 1980s and they worked in various sectors.
“On behalf of the Immigration director-general and state director, I would like to thank all agencies involved, especially the state government and Bintulu Port, including the army for providing two trips of transportation from Miri and overall the operation has been carried out smoothly.
“We also received good cooperation from these illegal immigrants during the deportation exercise,” said Garry.
The illegal immigrants were among those who voluntarily surrendered for deportation.