Kota Kinabalu: The Ministry of Social Services and Development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM) welcomed 783 Filipino deportees from Sabah when they docked at the Zamboanga City International Port Terminal late Saturday afternoon.
The returnees arrived aboard M/V Antonia 1, which set sail from Sandakan Port on Friday (Dec 19) and reached Zamboanga the following day.
Upon arrival, they underwent immediate profiling by the Region 9 Immigration Department, with city personnel joining authorities to extend necessary assistance – including medical check-ups for those in need.
MSSD-BARMM officer Elizabeth Agip said the deportees will be temporarily sheltered at the Processing Centre for Displaced Persons in Barangay Talon-Talon.
“We hope to ferry the deportees to their respective municipalities and provinces soon in time for them to reunite with their loved ones before Christmas Day,” she added.
The group – which includes elderly individuals, adults and children, both men and women – were arrested during ongoing statewide operations by Malaysia’s Immigration Department and police for violating the country’s immigration travel policies.
The illegal entry or overstaying in Sabah carries significant risks, including detention, fines and eventual deportation, which can disrupt families and create financial hardships for those involved.
Prior to their deportation, the individuals were held at various temporary detention centres in Sabah while awaiting the scheduled repatriation exercise.
