DOLE: No deployment ban in Algeria even after hostage crisis


The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said no deployment ban has been imposed on Algeria even after 81 people, including six Filipinos, died in a hostage crisis at the In Amenas gas field there last week.

In a statement, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said they have to wait for the results of the security assessment to be conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) before deciding on a deployment ban, if any.


"I suppose the DFA will do security assessment. After that, that's the only time we would deliberate on what to do with the market, if we should impose a ban. No deployment ban at this time," she said.

High-security coverage

Meanwhile, Baldoz said the DOLE is also seeking to provide high-security coverage to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in high-risk areas, particularly oil and gas facilities.

She instructed Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) chief Hans Leo Cacdac to examine the insurance policies of workers in such facilities.

"I asked him (Cacdac) to review the existing insurance policies provided by the employers to see if these companies provide high security coverage for their workers," Baldoz said.

She also asked Cacdac to explore the possibility of having the employers "provide additional benefits for these workers who are at risk when performing their jobs as oil plants may be bombed or attacked. Their security is at great risk."

If the plan pushes through, the benefits of such workers will be similar to that of seafarers, who automatically receive double compensation and benefits when their ships enter high-risk zones, including pirate-infested areas. 

"Same with Filipino workers in United States Defense projects in Iraq , they had three kinds of insurance policy. One from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), one from their contractor and another from the US government," she added. - VVP, GMA News

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