CBCP official optimistic OFWs in Qatar safe amid diplomatic crisis

A Catholic bishop remained optimistic that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Qatar would not be affected after Gulf states and other countries severed ties with Qatar over accusations that it is supporting terrorists.
"We are so worried about our OFWs, but we are optimistic they will not be affected," Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines - Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant Peoples (CBCP-ECMIP) said.
Santos urged OFWs to remain calm and vigilant, "closely monitor their situation, and coordinate with Philippine authorities" amid the ongoing diplomatic crisis.
"We also urge and pray that our OFWs will be always vigilant and always stay away from false and violent ideologies, denounce anything and anyone which propagates hate and destruction," he said.
On June 5, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain severed ties with Qatar.
The Philippine embassy in Qatar had told Filipinos in Qatar to remain calm following the unprecedented diplomatic crisis.
This came after reports that some Filipinos in Qatar went on "panic-buying" after the declaration of Gulf states.
Meanwhile, Santos also hoped that "tension will ease, peace reigns conflict be solved, mutual understanding again be realized."
"For Gulf countries know and accept that our OFWs come only for work as to help and improve the lives of their loved ones back home, not for any political nor ideological motives," he added.
Malacañang had assured OFWs that concerned agencies are ready to assist those who will be affected by the diplomatic crisis. —ALG, GMA News

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