10 Pinoys trapped in conflict-ridden Libya



Abandoned by their employer more than eight months ago, 10 Filipino workers are currently stuck in conflict-stricken Libya without pay and a way out.

Relatives of Edwin Tamparong, one of the 10 workers, have brought the matter to GMA News to seek a way to bring them back home.

A report on "24 Oras" on Wednesday said the workers were tricked by their employer. Edwin, it said, was hired to be a welder but worked as a house boy.

Edwin went to Libya in July 2013, after the Philippine government lifted the deployment ban in 2012.

"Gabi-gabi raw [parang] Bagong Taon, may nagpuputukan. Kaya 'di sila pinapasahod dahil palaging ganun," said Federico Tamparong, Edwin's brother, in the report.

Maricris Cawaling, Edwin's aunt, added, "Nagtatago sila kapag may ganung putukan. Sabi niya nawawalan na daw siya ng pag-asa."

Both the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have vowed to help repatriate the 10 workers, the report said.

Edwin's nine other compatriots include:
 
  • Aldren Nacional
  • Adones Roceros
  • Joseph Melgarejo
  • Arnelio Yopyop
  • Victor Vendillo
  • Marlou Guion
  • Leovy Reyes
  • Jake Nepomuceno
  • Robert Sales

Libyan officials on Wednesday gave the rebels two weeks to clear the oil export ports they have seized, or face a military strike. Pro-government and rebel forces clashed briefly this week in central Sirte city linking western and eastern Libya.

The rebels, who are calling for a greater share in the OPEC nation's oil wealth, managed last week to load oil on to a tanker, which escaped the Libyan navy. The incident embarrassed the weak central government and prompted parliament on Tuesday to vote the country's prime minister out of office. Rie Takumi with a report from Reuters/KBK, GMA News

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