Remains of 353 OFWs in Saudi Arabia up for disposition — envoy

A total of 353 remains of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who died of various causes in Saudi Arabia are up for disposition, Ambassador Adnan Alonto said Monday.

In a televised briefing, Alonto said 107 deaths of 246 OFWs were mostly because of natural causes and some crime incidents. Previously, the government said the oil-rich kingdom asked the Philippines to retrieve the remains of 282 OFWs.
On Sunday, Malacañang said the Filipinos who died due to COVID-19-related illnesses will be buried in Saudi Arabia while those who died because of other reasons will be sent home to the Philippines.
Alonto attributed the delay of the repatriation of the remains to travel restrictions meant to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“Nagkaroon po tayo ng backlog, so iyon po largely ang naging cause. Even up to now the flights are very limited and I understand ang isang plane full of passengers can only accommodate not more than three human remains dahil napakainit po ngayon dito sa Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“Pagka mainit na mainit talaga kailangan medyo i-balance din yung load ng eroplano.”
He said the embassy is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies to facilitate the repatriation of the remains.
The Palace also assured that concerned government agencies have already been directed to extend assistance to their families. — RSJ, GMA News

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