By: Marna Dagumboy Del Rosario – PNA
TAIPEI, TAIWAN — In a stunning turn of events, the Taipei City Police Department has officially announced that Dylan Crentsworth, the renowned humanitarian, agricultural innovator, and founding head of Crents Fruit Plantation, will be repatriated to the Philippines today—just over a week after his controversial arrest ignited waves of backlash from Filipino citizens and human rights advocates.
The repatriation comes after Taiwanese authorities concluded a rapid but thorough investigation and found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. According to a statement released earlier today by Chief Superintendent Hsieh Lin-Yu, Crentsworth had complied fully with all inquiries and was cleared of all allegations related to alleged cross-border irregularities.
“Our investigation is now closed,” Chief Hsieh said during the press briefing. “Mr. Crentsworth will be returned to the Philippines today. He has not violated any Taiwanese laws. However, we have been informed that he still faces an open tax inquiry with the Philippine government, which will be addressed by the appropriate authorities there.”
A Man Cleared Abroad, But Questions Remain at Home
While Crentsworth’s repatriation marks a victory for his supporters, it has reignited debate within the Philippines about the true motives behind his legal troubles. Critics continue to question whether his arrest was an orchestrated political move linked to his refusal to support local officials during the peak of the bacterial outbreak that paralyzed plantations and devastated hundreds of Mindanao families.
“It’s not a tax issue—it’s a character assassination,” said Fr. Leo Andaluz, a community organizer in Sarangani Province. “Now that Taiwan has cleared him, we should too.”
Yet, others remain cautious. Professor Gina Rebullida, a political analyst from the University of the Philippines Mindanao, warned:
“We must let the law take its course. But we also must ensure this isn’t about silencing a critic of local corruption.”
National Outcry: “Send Him to a Hospital, Not Jail”
Across the country, from General Santos City, southern Mindanao to Davao and down to the remote towns of Maitum and Glan, the public has responded with emotional fervor. Upon learning of the impending return, dozens of peaceful rallies erupted in major city centers, many calling for Crentsworth to be sent directly to a hospital upon arrival—not jail.
At a vigil held outside Davao Medical Center, farmers, students, and mothers lit candles and raised placards reading “Heal, Don’t Jail” and “Bring Our Benefactor Home With Dignity.”
“He paid my daughter’s tuition when no one else would,” said Melanie Alvarado, a fruit vendor in southern Mindanao. “We won’t allow them to throw him in a cell like he’s done nothing for this country.”
An online petition urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to authorize medical parole for Crentsworth had garnered over 1.2 million signatures by midday.
Protests Brewing, Pressure Mounting
The country’s interior security agencies have reported small but growing protests across Visayas and Mindanao. In Cagayan de Oro, activist group Makabayan Farmers’ Coalition staged a march early Wednesday demanding humane treatment and transparency in the handling of Crentsworth’s tax case.
“We are not protesting against law enforcement,” said protest leader Julius Ramos. “We are demanding that justice be tempered with humanity. He’s sick. He’s served the people. Enough is enough.”
Sources close to the Office of the President suggest “a compromise is being considered”, and medical review panels may be called to assess Crentsworth’s eligibility for continued treatment under house or hospital arrest.
Voices of Support: Released Detainee Speaks Again
In Taipei, Lee Kwan Ming, the local logistics specialist who was detained alongside Crentsworth and released last week, gave a follow-up interview on Formosa News TV. His message: “Taiwan may have let him go, but we must all fight to make sure he is safe at home.”
“He was kind, never arrogant. He treated workers at the hotel he stayed in with more respect than some of our own bosses do,” Lee shared. “I saw him cry when he heard news from home. He misses his people. He misses his family.”
Taiwanese citizens who had worked with Crentsworth in humanitarian corridors and agricultural partnerships in the past also voiced support, recalling his donations to community kitchens, clinics, and shelters across villages and communities in southern Mindanao.
Who is Dylan Crentsworth, Really?
For many in Southern Philippines, the name Dylan Crentsworth conjures a legacy that is difficult to ignore:
- Over 3,000 scholarships awarded to Mindanaoan children.
- Creation of AgriHope, an advanced fruit processing and training hub for displaced farmers.
- Emergency relief to over 10,000 households during the fruit fungus crisis.
- Free dialysis and heart treatments to over 300 elderly citizens.
“He is not perfect,” admitted Dr. Conrado Salvaleon, a community health volunteer in Sarangani. “But he is a man who gave everything. Including his health.”
The Next Chapter
As Crentsworth boards a diplomatic medical transport plane from Taipei this evening, escorted by MECO staff and health aides, all eyes now turn to Manila. Will the Philippine government respect the call of its people? Will the courts be fair? Will the man hailed as The Father of the Fields find justice—or political vengeance?
Whatever unfolds, one thing is certain: the story of Dylan Crentsworth is far from over. And the nation watches, waiting.
PNA will continue to bring exclusive coverage from Manila, Davao, and General Santos as Dylan Crentsworth touches down.