Missing Filipino inmate found safe in quake-hit Indonesia

MANILA- A Filipino inmate who was earlier reported missing from the earthquake-damaged prison in Palu, Indonesia has been found, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

The inmate, according to the Philippine Consulate General in Manado, has been staying with a friend near Pitogo Village in Palu after the Lapas Penitentiary prison wall collapsed due to the tremor.

Consul General Oscar Orcine said the Filipino told him that he had permission from the warden of the prison to seek refuge at his friend’s place.

A native of Sulu, the inmate has served half of his 14-year sentence for illegal drug possession.

The DFA said he has assured the Consul General that he will be returning to the penitentiary and report to the warden.

The 7.5-magnitude quake and the tsunami it spawned hit the provincial capital of Palu and the neighboring city of Donggala in Indonesia over the weekend.

The death toll in Indonesia's twin quake-tsunami disaster has passed 1,400 Wednesday, with time running out to rescue survivors.