KUCHING, Jan 26 : Efforts are underway to expedite the return of Dewi Farisha and her two children, Aurora Aisy and Arwaa Aisy, swiftly resolving their prolonged stay in the Philippines since 2019.
Dewi, 25, remained in Manila due to financial constraints after her mother’s return to Sarawak, where she subsequently gave birth to two children in 2021 and 2023.
Minister of Women’s Development, Children, and Community Welfare Of Sarawak, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah revealed that on January 19, the Malaysian Embassy in Manila convened a meeting with Chief of the Tourist Visa Unit at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Philippines, Raymond D. Remigio, the discussion focused on the case of Dewi Farisha and her family.
Fatimah highlighted that the embassy assured a motion for reconsideration, allowing applicants to seek exemption from penalty fees without facing blacklisting.
However, a recent response indicated that the application, under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Immigration Commissioner, presented two available options.
First, Dewi Farisha can opt to settle the full penalty amount of RM29,429. Alternatively, she has the choice not to pay the penalty, leading to her departure but resulting in blacklisting, barring re-entry into the Philippines.
While, highlighting that the penalty amount has been reduced to 144,824 Pesos (RM12,249) with a 100% exemption for her two children, courtesy of the strong diplomatic ties between Malaysia and the Philippines.
She added in regards of her children, the Malaysian Embassy have issued a Emergency Certificate, thus making its easier for them to return home.
“The Bureau of Immigration have also promised to expedite the process, not following the usual 21 days.
“Therefore, we will maintain communication with the Embassy and Sarawak Volunteers.” Fatimah told this to reporters during a press conference at Baitulmakmur on Friday.
Fatimah extended her appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Volunteers, and the Malaysian and Philippine embassies for their support.
Dewi and her children have been relocated by the Malaysian Embassy to a secure temporary residence at Berjaya Hotel in Makati City.
Also present were representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia Albony Basir, from Sarawak Regional Office and Dewi Farisha’s mother, Sheryl Balisia.-TVS
