Troubled OFWs in Al Khobar expect to be home before Christmas


By RONALDO CONCHA
Distressed overseas Filipino workers who have not been paid their salaries for five months in Saudi Arabia may be reunited with their families before Christmas.
In an interview with GMA News, Ryan Javillon —one of the 100 troubled OFWs who went to Al Khobar to seek assistance from Philippine Overseas Labor Office —said Department of Labor Secretary Silverstre Bello III promised them they will be flown back home, possibly before Christmas Day.
"Sabi po ni Secretary Bello, tungkol po sa amin hanggang December ay pauwiin daw po niya kami, yun naman po ang pinanghahawakan namin," Javillon said, adding that they have already signed special power of attorney (SPA) for their unpaid salary claims.
In the photo are OWWA Adminsitrator Hans Leo Cacdac, Labor Attache Nasser Munder, and OWWA Welfare Officer James Mendiola during a dialogue with distressed OFWs in Azmeel Contracting Company in Jeddah. --R. Concha
In photo are OWWA Adminsitrator Hans Leo Cacdac, Labor Attache Nasser Munder, and OWWA Welfare Officer James Mendiola during a dialogue with distressed OFWs in Azmeel Contracting Company in Jeddah. --R. Concha
A total of 1,470 OFWs affected by the lock-out by their employer Azmeel Contracting Corporation. They have not been paid their salaries for five months.
Secretary Bello last Monday flew Al Khobar, accompanied by Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac and officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Department of Health (DOH), on a mission to assist the troubled OFWs.
The Philippine officials vowed to assist the workers during their meeting in Al Khobar.
Javillon said that aside from the promise of repatriation they were given 400 SAR (P5,756) in initial financial aid that is part of the P20,000 assistance pledge from the government.
OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed to GMA News Bello's promise about the repatriation.
"Nakausap ni Secretary Bello ang Ministry of Labor at tiniyak nyang binanggit na ang mga workers natin ay mahalaga na ang Kapaskuhan ay ka piling ang kanilang mga pamilya kaya hanggat maaari ay makauwi na before Christmas," Cacdac said. —LBG, GMA News

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