(Eagle News) — The sole Filipino who was reported missing following a strong earthquake in Indonesia on Sept. 28 has been located, and is safe and sound.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that based on a report from the Philippine Consulate General in Manado, it was able to contact the Filipino, who was serving a 14-year sentence for illegal drug possession at the Lapu Penitentiary when the quake occurred.
Consul General Oscar Orcine said the inmate had been staying with a friend near Pitogo Village in Palu since leaving prison following the earthquake that struck Central Sulawesi.
Based on the Filipino’s account, he had permission from the penitentiary’s warden to seek refuge there after the prison wall collapsed due to the earthquake, Orcine said.
The Filipino gave the assurance he would return to the penitentiary, where he said he enjoys the trust of prison officials who had asked him to help manage 800 inmates there.
According to Orcine, the native of Sulu, who had been recommended for parole, was “fine,” even if he lacked sleep and was tired.
He, however, Orcine said, had limited stock of food and water.
Orcine said he had asked local contacts to provide the Filipino inmate with food and water.