Filipino seeks assistance to repatriate his ailing wife




Last Updated : Tuesday, February 05, 2013 10:59 AM
The bedridden wife of Antonio Manalo at her home in Jeddah. — SG photo by Ronaldo Z. Concha

Ronaldo Z. ConchaSaudi Gazette
 

JEDDAH — An overseas Filipino worker in Jeddah is seeking the assistance of Saudi immigration authorities to repatriate his ailing wife to the Philippines.

In an interview with Saudi Gazette at his rented flat in the industrial area, Antonio Manalo said his wife became bedridden after a series of strokes that led to paralysis.  His wife’s condition is worsening and she cannot talk and communicate with him anymore.

“My wife is really in a terrible situation and we have no companion to help me nurse her. I am feeding her through the use of a tube connected to her nose and I have to tie her hand all the time so she will not able to pull the tube especially if I go out to work,” a teary-eyed Manalo said.

Manalo said he wanted to take his wife back home but could not because of his expired residence permit (Iqama). According to him, his employer has been trying to get his Iqama renewed for the last two years, but is facing problems.

Manalo claims he has no problem with his employer who has been supporting him, not only in responding to all his requests but also by providing all the necessary documents and even assisted him personally when he sought the consulate’s assistance. He is just wondering why his Iqama has still not been renewed.

R.J. Sumague, Vice Consul in Philippine Consulate, said they are doing their best to assist Manalo’s ailing wife and are hoping to get clearance from the Saudi immigration authorities soon.

Manalo is also appealing to the authorities for humanitarian reasons to help him send his wife home before it is too late.

“I am begging you sir, please help us. I have my daughter back home who wants to see her mother while she is still alive. Help us sir please,” Manalo pleaded. 

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