SECRETARY OPLE EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO INDONESIA FOR PROMPT RELEASE OF FILIPINO FISHERMEN; CONGRATULATES PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR FOR A JOB WELL DONE

Press Release No. 045-03
7 February 2003

SECRETARY OPLE EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO INDONESIA FOR PROMPT RELEASE OF FILIPINO FISHERMEN; CONGRATULATES PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR FOR A JOB WELL DONE

Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today expressed the appreciation of the Philippine Government to the Indonesian Government for the prompt release of 49 Filipino fishermen arrested by Indonesia authorities for alleged poaching last week.

“I gave Charge d’Affaires Alexander Laturiuw a letter for Foreign Minister Nur Hasan Wirajuda thanking the foreign minister for the prompt action taken by the Indonesian Government in releasing our fishermen,” Secretary Ople said after Mr. Laturiuw called on the Secretary this morning.

“The Indonesian Government treated our fishermen humanely and allowed full access for our consular officials. They arrived in Davao yesterday in good health and in good cheer,” Secretary Ople said.

Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Rafael Seguis accompanied the 49 fishermen from their release in Indonesia to their arrival in Davao. Ambassador Seguis then proceeded to Manila where he met with Secretary Ople today.

“Ambassador Seguis’s actions on this matter are commendable. He was directly involved not only in ensuring the wellbeing of our fishermen but in working with the various concerned Indonesian authorities to ensure their prompt release and to make sure that no charges would be filed,” Secretary Ople said.

“Ambassador Seguis and those like him exemplify the world class foreign service that I envision, and which our people so richly deserve,” Secretary Ople added.

During his meeting with the Indonesia Charge d’Affaires, Secretary Ople also discussed our maritime issues with Indonesia. “We reaffirmed both our countries’ commitment to resolve all these issues peacefully. And we will do so within the framework that we have established with Indonesia,” Secretary Ople said.

On another matter, Charge d’ Affaires Laturiuw informed the Secretary that fire struck the Indonesian School in Davao today. “I assured Mr. Laturiuw that the Philippine Government will do all it can to assist the Indonesian Government. I immediately ordered the Departement’s Regional Consular Office in Davao to assist the affected Indonesians in Davao and to report immediately to me on this matter,” Secretary Ople said. END.