Act No. 1439

: The main purpose of Act No. 1439 is to provide a method for masters of ships to secure the return to their ships of seamen who have deserted while in the Philippine Islands.
: A consul or vice-consul of any foreign government having a treaty with the United States stipulating for the restoration of deserting seamen can apply for the return.
: The application must be made in writing and state the name of the person who has deserted from the vessel.
: Proof must be presented by the exhibition of the vessel's register, ship's roll, or other official documents showing the person belonged to the crew at the time of desertion.
: If the facts are found true and the deserter is not a citizen of the United States or the Philippine Islands, they shall be delivered to the consul or vice-consul to be sent back to their country or detained until such opportunity arises.
: No person arrested can be detained more than two months after arrest; after which they must be released and cannot be molested again for the same cause.
: Yes, if the deserter has committed any crime or offense, surrender may be delayed until the court handling the case pronounces sentence and it is carried into effect.
: No, the Act specifically excludes persons who are citizens of the United States or the Philippine Islands.
: The Act took effect immediately upon its passage on January 16, 1906.