A fundraiser has been launched to help a former Aberdeen businessman who has been languishing in a “rat-infested hellhole” in the Philippines for months.
Frank Bohlert was sent to Manila Prison in September last year after his visa expired and his ex-partner Arlyn Decanay made claims he had abused her.
The 61-year-old, from Culter, he claims his ex girlfriend stole his laptop, car and money, and wants to stay in south-east Asia to seek justice.
After he refused to leave, he was charged for remaining in the country without a visa, working while only possessing a holiday visa, and assaulting his ex.
He is at the Camp Bagong Detention Centre in Taguig, Manila.
And now, an online fundraiser has been established by his friends to help the former oil and gas worker pay his legal fees.
They said: “Frank is now penniless because he cannot access his funds, and it is impossible to pay for his survival expenses.
“He has no funds to pay attorney fees and fines to get released.
“If you have ever been foolishly in love yourself, if you are a friend, an acquaintance or just a good soul, please help us to get Frank out of this rat-infested hellhole that they call the Bureau of Immigration Detention Centre.
“Frank is in there with hardened criminals, trying to stay alive on a diet of rice and a few vegetables.”
Before he left the country, Mr Bohlert worked as a consultant and also ran a business which hired out winches to oil companies in the north-east.
But he left Scotland six years ago after meeting his new girlfriend online.
Together, the pair ran a bar called Twilights Rock Bistro until he was incarcerated in September.
To find out more visit www.gofundme.com and search for Frank Bohlert.
