Migrante commends jailed officers

24 August 2009
PRESS RELEASE

Reference:
Garry Martinez, Chairperson-09217229740
Ailyn Abdula, Media Officer, 09212708994

Migrante commends jailed officers:
Calls on embassy officials to emulate their heroism and sacrifice

The global alliance of OFWs is jubilant over the release of the officers of its chapter in Riyadh, the Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS). The Saudi police decided to drop the cases against them. The group likewise called on Embassy officials and staff to follow the good example of helping distressed OFWs.

“We salute our officers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for being steadfast in their commitment to help our fellow kababayans in distress. Their readiness to face the risk that entails assisting OFWs who need help is a virtue worth emulating especially by our government officials,” says Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International.

Last August 14, eighteen (18) Officers and members of the KGS were apprehended in a raid conducted by religious police in the said city. The group was later charged with violating the cultural law of Saudi Arabia.

“We are glad that in the end, truth and justice have prevailed, running away from abuse is not a crime and those who help them are certainly not criminals. We advice our officers in Riyadh to take sometime to rest before embarking on their work in their organization.Tuloy ang Laban! Tuloy ang pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan! (Onward with the struggle! Let us continue to help our countrymen!),” Martinez concluded.

The group likewise thanked all those who helped in working for the release of the arrested Migrante officials including what they called enlightened government officials who recognizes the noble work of Migrante in Riyadh. ###