DOLE ready with contingency plan for OFWs in troubled HK —Bello


Labor department's Silvestre Bello III on Saturday assured Filipinos in protests-racked Hong Kong that there is a contingency plan for them should the situation in the territory worsen, but he clarified that all move from the agency should be coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs.
In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Bello also said that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as of Saturday afternoon, has not received yet an official notice on DFA's advisory on travels to Hong Kong.
Asked if DOLE has received DFA's advisory warning Filipino travelers to avoid the HK airport due to continuous violent protests there, Bello said they have not receive an official notice yet.
"Wala pa kaming natatanggap na signal from the DFA, pero kung totoo na nagtaas sila ng alert level to 3, ibigsabihin magkakaroon kami ng total deployment ban," Bello said.
But we need to coordinate with the DFA on any action, pointed out.
"Pero mayroon kaming sariling contingency plan, and in coordination with the DFA, we are ready for any eventuality kung lalala yung situation sa HK."
Based on the assessment of the Philippine labor attache in HK, the situation has been stabilized.
Last Friday,  Philippine labor officials in the territory provided a list of protest areas and protest schedules.
The advance list of places and schedules of protests, which was included in DFA's advisory last Friday, could serve as guide for OFWs in ensuring their safety.
"Ipinaaalam naitn sa ating mga kababayan doon kung kailan at kung saan ang venue para maiwasan nila ang mga area na ito," Bello said, also reminding OFWs of standing security measures, including avoiding places of rallies, and wearing white or black clothes.
Moreover, he said they have made an appeal to employers who are symphathetic to the protesters not allow their Filipino domestic helpers to tag along  for their workers' safety.

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