Followers

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Re-Post From GMA News TV

26 distressed OFWs return home from Qatar

MANILA, Philippines - After three months of working without pay in Qatar, 26 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) have finally returned home, a senator said on Wednesday.

In a statement, Senator Manuel Villar said that the group – originally consisting of 35 workers –went to Qatar last October to work for an interior decorating and furnishing outfit.

But just a few months into their jobs, the OFWs reportedly wrote to him complain

“Since we started work, our salaries have been always partially given, until such time when we were not getting any for almost three months. Our families in the Philippines have nothing more to eat."

Villar endorsed their case to the Department of Foreign Affairs, while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration facilitated their repatriation.

He said one of the OFWs, Orlando Barazon, arrived on May 21, Romel Panaligan and Eduardo Baro on May 25, and Arthur Hernandez, Nicky Aguilon and Danilo Javier on May 27, with 20 more others to follow.

Villar said the repatriated workers will go to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration on June 1 to file charges against their employer and agencies.

Nine of the 35 workers, on the other hand, have opted to stay in Qatar to look for new jobs.

The names of the 35 workers are as follows:
1. Orlando Barazon
2. Romel Panaligan
3. Eduardo Baro
4. Arthur Hernandez
5. Nicky Aguilon
6. Danilo Javier
7. Joselle Gacuya
8. Mar Ignacio
9. Felipe Dichoso
10. Erwin Dolor
11. Allan Delarea
12. Gregorio Masangkay
13. Michael Pedrezuela
14. Bernie Baclas
15. Arlan Falogme
16. Peter Sakballon
17. Danilo Javillonar
18. Joselito Dichoso
19. Emmanuel Bautista
20. Jonathan Javier
21. Arceo Galibio
22. Danilo Genova
23. Sulpicio Ubando
24. Almar Ramos
25. Berlin Sedurante
26. Adelio Ruanto Jr.
27. Marciano Dichoso
28. Richard Ravelo
29. Michael Aque
30. Alberto Reyes
31. Jimmy Rivera
32. Ramil Manito
33. Joemar dela Cruz
34. Rene Antonio
35. Reiner Sala.
- Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

6 comments:

Shawie said...

oh, this is very sad news:(( I hope appropriate actions will rendered to these underprivileged workers. It's not easy to work away from the family and not getting salary is a lot more difficult:((

Mel Alarilla said...

Hi Shawie,
Yes it is really very unconscionable for the employer and the recruiter that these OFWs were victimized with non payment of their salaries. I hope the government will move to protect the interest of our suffering OFWs. Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you always.

Chubskulit Rose said...

That is very sad Kuya Mel...

Happy Father's day po!

john said...

Just came to wish you a happy father's day Sir Mel!

His Unfailing Love said...

Kawawa naman sila - naku sana matulungan din sila ni Gloria, before she stepped down...sana....
Thanks for this post Mel, I know Filipinos heart grieved pero wala tayong magawa.

Mel Alarilla said...

Hi Rose, John and Princess Sarah,
So sorry that I was not able to reply to your comments. I never visit these sites anymore since I am so preoccupied with my blogs on my other account. I forgot that your sites are linked to this account. So sorry again. God bless you all always.