Gov't ready to help OFWs affected by Qatar diplomatic crisis –Palace

Malacañang on Tuesday assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that concerned government agencies are ready to assist those who will be affected by the diplomatic crisis in Qatar.

“The decision of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Bahrain to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar may have some ripple effects on our overseas Filipino workers,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said during a news briefing in Malacañang.

“Concerned government agencies are now looking at the matter and will extend assistance and other support to OFWs who may be affected by such action.” 

Abella, however, did not elaborate on how the government would assist the OFWs that would be affected by the diplomatic crisis.

Aside from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Libya, and the Maldives also cut ties with Qatar on Monday after it was accused of supporting extremist groups, including ISIS.

Tensions in the Gulf states have recently escalated after Qatar’s state-run news agency was allegedly hacked and published supposed comments by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Al Hamad Al Thani praising Iran.

President Rodrigo Duterte went on a three-nation trip to Middle East in April, which included Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar. —KBK, GMA News

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