PRESS STATEMENT
6 March 2010
Government failure to permanently ban abusive recruitment agencies means that many more OFWs will suffer what the Annasban caregivers went through.
As fellow OFWs celebrate the victory gained by Annasban OFWs who staged a three-day protest camp-out in front of the office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Manila this week, Migrante Aotearoa New Zealand joined their calls for the Philippine government to permanently blacklist their recruitment agencies for their track record of labor contract violations.
While we rejoice that their camp-out forced OWWA to heed some of their demands for compensation, we support their demand for the government to permanently blacklist their recruitment agencies from deploying Filipinos abroad. It must exert all efforts to repatriate the 5 women caregivers who are still in Saudi Arabia .
Migrante Aotearoa also calls to task the Philippine government to strictly monitor and blacklist all other recruitment agencies that collect exorbitant fees and engage in contract substitution. Some nurses who came to work as caregivers in New Zealand complained of such schemes of recruitment agencies that placed them in resthomes with difficult conditions.
Low wages, 12-hour working day, child labor and inhuman working conditions — these were the main reasons why millions of women around the world held protests and why International Women’s Day is officially commemorated every March 8. The plight of the 67 female caregivers who had no days off and were made to work for 12 hours or more daily in Saudi Arabia is a grim testament that under the Philippine government’s labor export thrust, migrant workers especially women are very vulnerable to exploitative working conditions. Their recruitment agencies left them broke as they suffered contract substitution, delayed salaries, illegal deductions and non-payment of overtime pay and other benefits stipulated in their contracts.
We further demand government to scrap the OWWA Omnibus Policies that limit government assistance. Instead of assisting ALL OFWs in need, government agencies neglect those who could not afford to pay OWWA dues. Even for OWWA members, it is deplorable that OFWs hardly get support such as the Annasban OFWs who almost starved to death before they were repatriated. They paid OWWA dues and were qualified for assistance, yet they were forced to stage hunger strike abroad to call government attention.
OFWs around the world who became flat broke after losing jobs have the same tales of government neglect. Those who cannot claim OWWA assistance desperately find ways to afford a plane ticket back home. Isn’t it enough that OFWs and their families have been paying taxes to the government all these years? Why can’t the government at least ensure free air tickets for all distressed OFWs wanting to go home? There are thousands of undocumented non-OWWA members needing urgent assistance, will the government wait for them to be dead before they get any support?
We challenge the next administration ensure decent jobs at home and provide immediate assistance and compensation for distressed OFWs. This March 8, let the voices of Annasban OFWs and all exploited migrants be heard: Proteksyon, hindi koleksyon! Serbisyo, hindi negosyo! Scrap OWWA Omnibus Policies!
Reference:
Dennis Maga
National Coordinator, Migrante Aotearoa New Zealand
____________________________________________________
Migrante Aotearoa | 34 Titirangi Rd, New Lynn , Auckland 1007
+64 9 8276059 |migrante@xtra.co.nz | http://migrante-aotearoa.org.nz/
"Advancing the rights and welfare of Filipinos and other migrants in Aotearoa"
Showing posts with label Distressed OFWs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Distressed OFWs. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
We are not concocting stories
It’s based on OFWs legitimate complaints that were never attended after numerous pleading for assistance –Migrante-ME
Press Release
12 February 2010
Reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
Migrante-Middle East, an alliance of Filipino migrant workers with chapters and member-organization s in most of the countries in the Middle East, today said it is not concocting stories and would never do, in response to the accusations being hurled by its critiques -RP posts officials in the Middle East.
“We issued statement based on the facts and information relayed to us by our Migrante officers and of the distress OFWs themselves and from their relatives and families who have sought our assistance. Concocting stories and making lies are not part and would never be part of our advocacy,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.
Monterona is reacting to an unsigned letter from the Al Arab Company that was sent to one of the most esteemed Philippine news online reputing Migrante-ME issued statements on February 7 about the 200 striking OFWs from 5 job sites in Saudi Arabia.
“We have all the necessary documents, including exchanges of emails, names of the OFWs leaders and their contact numbers, and photos showing that the leaders of the striking OFWs in Riyadh have sought the Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS), member organization of Migrante and in fact have asked our support after the 200 OFWs decided to collectively stage a stop of work protest against their erring employer,” Monterona added.
“We stand on what we have said because it is based on the legitimate demands and complaints of our fellow OFWs that were victims of their employer’s labor malpractices such as delayed salaries for 4 months, non-payment of overtime work, 0among others as stated on the letter by the complaining OFWs to Al Arab Contracting Co. (ACC) Human Resources Manager, copy furnished the Philippine Ambassador in Riyadh,” Monterona continued.
Monterona revealed that one of the leader of the troubled OFWs sent an email to KGS Chairperson Eric Jocson saying that some of them were threatened by the ACC management that if they will not sign a waiver of their complaints and issue an apology letter, they will be terminated and will be sent back home without any compensation and payment of salaries.
“The demands and complaints of the 200 OFWs working for Al Arab Contracting Co (ACC) could have been resolved amicably without resorting to work stoppage and would never be an option for the troubled OFWs if in the first place the ACC management have properly attended their legitimate complaints which are after all are only demanding what have been stated on their original signed contract in the Philippines,” Monterona added.
Monterona said but because of contract substitution that slipped away, as usual, from the watch of Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Riyadh or because POLO is just tolerating it, the hired OFWs labor status becomes problematic.
“However, if the complaints of the troubled OFWs have been properly attended, then their could never be an expose of ACC management labor malpractices and POLO’s continued neglect from Migrante-Middle East, and no exchanges of strong words and issuing threats of OFWs employment termination,” Monterona added.
Monterona averred Migrante chapters, OFWs and their families’ message is clear -if RP posts officials don’t want to be criticized, they should promptly attend on the legitimate complaints of distress or troubled OFWs against their erring employers and be pro-active in giving assistance to distress, abused and maltreated OFWs.
“We were informed by the leaders of the striking OFWs that they have met the ACC management on February 8 and have reached an agreement based on the issues raised by the complaining OFWs; they should have acted on their complaints when the management had received the first letter of complaints for its hired OFWs,” Monterona added.
“But where is the POLO? What they did when it was first informed by the troubled OFWs of their labor problems with their employer? Monterona queried. # # #
Press Release
12 February 2010
Reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
Migrante-Middle East, an alliance of Filipino migrant workers with chapters and member-organization s in most of the countries in the Middle East, today said it is not concocting stories and would never do, in response to the accusations being hurled by its critiques -RP posts officials in the Middle East.
“We issued statement based on the facts and information relayed to us by our Migrante officers and of the distress OFWs themselves and from their relatives and families who have sought our assistance. Concocting stories and making lies are not part and would never be part of our advocacy,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.
Monterona is reacting to an unsigned letter from the Al Arab Company that was sent to one of the most esteemed Philippine news online reputing Migrante-ME issued statements on February 7 about the 200 striking OFWs from 5 job sites in Saudi Arabia.
“We have all the necessary documents, including exchanges of emails, names of the OFWs leaders and their contact numbers, and photos showing that the leaders of the striking OFWs in Riyadh have sought the Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS), member organization of Migrante and in fact have asked our support after the 200 OFWs decided to collectively stage a stop of work protest against their erring employer,” Monterona added.
“We stand on what we have said because it is based on the legitimate demands and complaints of our fellow OFWs that were victims of their employer’s labor malpractices such as delayed salaries for 4 months, non-payment of overtime work, 0among others as stated on the letter by the complaining OFWs to Al Arab Contracting Co. (ACC) Human Resources Manager, copy furnished the Philippine Ambassador in Riyadh,” Monterona continued.
Monterona revealed that one of the leader of the troubled OFWs sent an email to KGS Chairperson Eric Jocson saying that some of them were threatened by the ACC management that if they will not sign a waiver of their complaints and issue an apology letter, they will be terminated and will be sent back home without any compensation and payment of salaries.
“The demands and complaints of the 200 OFWs working for Al Arab Contracting Co (ACC) could have been resolved amicably without resorting to work stoppage and would never be an option for the troubled OFWs if in the first place the ACC management have properly attended their legitimate complaints which are after all are only demanding what have been stated on their original signed contract in the Philippines,” Monterona added.
Monterona said but because of contract substitution that slipped away, as usual, from the watch of Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Riyadh or because POLO is just tolerating it, the hired OFWs labor status becomes problematic.
“However, if the complaints of the troubled OFWs have been properly attended, then their could never be an expose of ACC management labor malpractices and POLO’s continued neglect from Migrante-Middle East, and no exchanges of strong words and issuing threats of OFWs employment termination,” Monterona added.
Monterona averred Migrante chapters, OFWs and their families’ message is clear -if RP posts officials don’t want to be criticized, they should promptly attend on the legitimate complaints of distress or troubled OFWs against their erring employers and be pro-active in giving assistance to distress, abused and maltreated OFWs.
“We were informed by the leaders of the striking OFWs that they have met the ACC management on February 8 and have reached an agreement based on the issues raised by the complaining OFWs; they should have acted on their complaints when the management had received the first letter of complaints for its hired OFWs,” Monterona added.
“But where is the POLO? What they did when it was first informed by the troubled OFWs of their labor problems with their employer? Monterona queried. # # #
KGS/Migrante meets complaining OFWs from Al Arab Cont. Co. (ACC)on February 5.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Migrante salutes striking Pinoys in Riyadh
Migrante salutes striking Pinoys in Riyadh
Slams “inutile” RP post
12 January 2010
PRESS RELEASE
A militant alliance of overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs) groups today expressed solidarity with 88 OFWs who staged a hunger strike in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after calls for their repatriation were left unheeded by the Philippine post in the Middle Eastern city.
The 88 OFWs were victims of contract substitution and unjust labor practices of construction firm Annasban Group. They stopped working on October 12 last year after they complained of salary reduction, illegal salary deduction and delayed payment of salary.
November 3 last year, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement that the Philippine Labor Office (POLO) in Riyadh have been working for the workers’ repatriation “at the soonest possible time.” The promised repatriation, however, didn’t happen.
“Migrante International salutes the Riyadh 88 for militantly standing up to assert their rights. OFWs the world over join them in their fight for justice,” stated Garry Martinez, Chairperson of Migrante International.
“We vehemently condemn the Philippine government, particularly our post in Riyadh, for their gross neglect and indifference to their plight. We strongly urge them to act with dispatch and work for the immediate repatriation and remuneration of the 88 hunger strikers.” Martinez said.
The Migrante leader likewise called for the investigation and recall of RP officials in Riyadh KSA for their apparent “inutility and incompetence.”
“When OFWs in distress go to the extent of starving themselves just to get the attention of Philippine government officials, there really is something wrong. Such is the case in Riyadh. What we have there are heartless, inutile and incompetent officials who do not deserve their posts,” Martinez stressed.
In December of 2003, Martinez said, 16 stranded OFWs also staged a hunger strike inside the premises of the Philippine embassy in Riyadh. Days after, the striking workers were arrested and detained by the Saudi police upon the orders of Philippine embassy officials led by then Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla.
To protest the arrest of the striking workers in Riyadh and to renew their call for the OFWs’ repatriation, Migrante organized a camp out of the relatives and family members of the 16 OFWs outside the office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Pasay City. The peaceful camp out, Martinez said, was brutally dispersed by the Pasay police upon orders of then OWWA Administrator Virgilio Angelo. Four Migrante leaders, including its Secretary General Maita Santiago, were arrested during the dispersal.###
Reference:
Garry Martinez, Chairperson, 09393914418
Ailyn Abdula, Media Officer, 09212708994
--
Slams “inutile” RP post
12 January 2010
PRESS RELEASE
A militant alliance of overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs) groups today expressed solidarity with 88 OFWs who staged a hunger strike in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after calls for their repatriation were left unheeded by the Philippine post in the Middle Eastern city.
The 88 OFWs were victims of contract substitution and unjust labor practices of construction firm Annasban Group. They stopped working on October 12 last year after they complained of salary reduction, illegal salary deduction and delayed payment of salary.
November 3 last year, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement that the Philippine Labor Office (POLO) in Riyadh have been working for the workers’ repatriation “at the soonest possible time.” The promised repatriation, however, didn’t happen.
“Migrante International salutes the Riyadh 88 for militantly standing up to assert their rights. OFWs the world over join them in their fight for justice,” stated Garry Martinez, Chairperson of Migrante International.
“We vehemently condemn the Philippine government, particularly our post in Riyadh, for their gross neglect and indifference to their plight. We strongly urge them to act with dispatch and work for the immediate repatriation and remuneration of the 88 hunger strikers.” Martinez said.
The Migrante leader likewise called for the investigation and recall of RP officials in Riyadh KSA for their apparent “inutility and incompetence.”
“When OFWs in distress go to the extent of starving themselves just to get the attention of Philippine government officials, there really is something wrong. Such is the case in Riyadh. What we have there are heartless, inutile and incompetent officials who do not deserve their posts,” Martinez stressed.
In December of 2003, Martinez said, 16 stranded OFWs also staged a hunger strike inside the premises of the Philippine embassy in Riyadh. Days after, the striking workers were arrested and detained by the Saudi police upon the orders of Philippine embassy officials led by then Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla.
To protest the arrest of the striking workers in Riyadh and to renew their call for the OFWs’ repatriation, Migrante organized a camp out of the relatives and family members of the 16 OFWs outside the office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Pasay City. The peaceful camp out, Martinez said, was brutally dispersed by the Pasay police upon orders of then OWWA Administrator Virgilio Angelo. Four Migrante leaders, including its Secretary General Maita Santiago, were arrested during the dispersal.###
Reference:
Garry Martinez, Chairperson, 09393914418
Ailyn Abdula, Media Officer, 09212708994
--
Monday, October 19, 2009
Prosecute Illegal Recruitment Agencies!
19 October 2009
PRESS RELEASE
“PROSECUTE RECRUITMENT AGENCIES ENGAGED IN ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT!”
This was the challenge issued by Migrante International, together with repatriated workers from the Annasban company in Riyadh and the construction workers from a Filipino-owned Ashley Alexis Company in Maldives who trooped to the POEA to file mass complaints against their respective recruitment agencies.
The repatriated workers have experienced gross violations in their employment contracts, poor working condition and non-payment of their wages. They are seeking to file administrative complaints against their agencies as part of the measures they intend to take in their pursuit of justice. They are also fighting to bring their co-workers still stranded abroad home to the Philippines.
“Through these complaints, we are putting the POEA on notice that we shall be closely monitoring how they will respond to these cases,” Garry Martinez, chairperson of the largest organization of Filipino migrants, declared. “Time and again, we have seen how POEA decisions have favored recruitment agencies more than OFWs.”
Martinez cited the Annasban company as one of the companies which seem to be favored by the POEA. The company has gained some notoriety among OFWs here and in Riyadh because it has been the subject of many complaints of gross violations of contracts in the past and yet has not been given any sanctions at all by the POEA.
“What is going on in the POEA? Why can recruitment agencies such as these continue to ply their evil deeds, right under the noses of POEA officials? Why are there so many illegal recruitment cases victimizing thousands of OFWs?” queried Martinez.
“We have had enough! This time, we will be setting up a POEA Watch. We shall make a count of how many recruitment agencies with various cases of illegal recruitment the POEA has allowed to go unpunished! The public will definitely hear about this,” Martinez continued.
The organization is now consulting lawyers’ groups about the filing of a case against the inaction of POEA officials on illegal recruitment cases.###
Reference:
Garry Martinez, Chairperson, 09393914418
Ailyn Abdula, Media Officer, 09212708994
PRESS RELEASE
“PROSECUTE RECRUITMENT AGENCIES ENGAGED IN ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT!”
This was the challenge issued by Migrante International, together with repatriated workers from the Annasban company in Riyadh and the construction workers from a Filipino-owned Ashley Alexis Company in Maldives who trooped to the POEA to file mass complaints against their respective recruitment agencies.
The repatriated workers have experienced gross violations in their employment contracts, poor working condition and non-payment of their wages. They are seeking to file administrative complaints against their agencies as part of the measures they intend to take in their pursuit of justice. They are also fighting to bring their co-workers still stranded abroad home to the Philippines.
“Through these complaints, we are putting the POEA on notice that we shall be closely monitoring how they will respond to these cases,” Garry Martinez, chairperson of the largest organization of Filipino migrants, declared. “Time and again, we have seen how POEA decisions have favored recruitment agencies more than OFWs.”
Martinez cited the Annasban company as one of the companies which seem to be favored by the POEA. The company has gained some notoriety among OFWs here and in Riyadh because it has been the subject of many complaints of gross violations of contracts in the past and yet has not been given any sanctions at all by the POEA.
“What is going on in the POEA? Why can recruitment agencies such as these continue to ply their evil deeds, right under the noses of POEA officials? Why are there so many illegal recruitment cases victimizing thousands of OFWs?” queried Martinez.
“We have had enough! This time, we will be setting up a POEA Watch. We shall make a count of how many recruitment agencies with various cases of illegal recruitment the POEA has allowed to go unpunished! The public will definitely hear about this,” Martinez continued.
The organization is now consulting lawyers’ groups about the filing of a case against the inaction of POEA officials on illegal recruitment cases.###
Reference:
Garry Martinez, Chairperson, 09393914418
Ailyn Abdula, Media Officer, 09212708994
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Benchmark India’s repatriation efforts
5 October 2009
Efficient and effective repatriation of distress workers
Benchmark India’s repatriation efforts, RP posts told
“One would notice that Indian distress workers in deportation center would only stay for few weeks, unlike the repatriation of distress and stranded OFWs that would usually take 3 to 6 months or even 1 year,” said by John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.
Monterona said Migrante-ME learned that Indian Embassy’s Welfare wing has its own effective and efficient mechanism in repatriating its own distress and stranded migrant workers.
“Indian Embassy’s issuance of its so called Emergency Certificates proved to be effective in sending its own distress migrant workers back to India, and this should be bench mark by RP posts to follow the same system in advancing the welfare and interests of our distress and stranded OFWs in the Middle East,” Monterona averred.
Monterona said he learned that Indian Embassy’s Welfare section is issuing Emergency Certificates to all Indian nationals upon proving their national identity by verifying the authenticity of their documents such as passport copy or ration card.
“By doing so, the run away worker would not wait for its employer-sponsor to issue exit clearance as it is there where the waiting take so long; often many employer-sponsor won’t issue exit clearance as they file a counter suit of absconding, considered a crime in most Middle Eastern countries labor laws, against its run away workers who are usually victims of abuses and maltreatment,” Monterona added.
On an average 5,000 emergency certificates are issued by the Indian Embassy every year. “This would mean Indian embassy is sending back to India 5,000 distress workers every year,” Monterona said.
Monterona said instead of long wait or praying at the mercy of the distress worker’s employer-sponsor to issue exit clearance, the RP post concerned should issue same of Indian’s Emergency Certificate to its distress and run away OFWs.
“If the Indian Embassy were able to do so by issuing Emergency Certificate to its distress and stranded migrant workers, why our government under the Arroyo administration through different RP posts in the Middle East could not do the same especially if it is for the welfare and interest of our distress OFWs who were victims of labor malpractices, abuses and maltreatment?” Monterona asked.
Monterona said Philippine diplomats, consular or labor, should represent the best interests and welfare of our millions OFWs who contribute a lot to our economy.
Monterona further said RP posts should think for ways and means advancing the welfare and interests of our Overseas Filipinos and OFWs, and through diplomatic course of action, diplomacy as their expertise, attain the very objective of putting forward the best interests of our OFWs.
“By doing the same efforts of the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, RP posts could solve the long perennial problem of repatriating distress and stranded OFWs, usually take 6 months to 1 year, in different deportation centers in the Middle East,” Monterona.
Monterona said there are still more than 80 plus stranded inside the deportation center in Jeddah based on Migrante's close estimates, those in Cell no.1 keeps on calling and texting Migrante that the OWWA did not to provide them food and medicines.“To OWWA Administrator Dimzon: organize your OWWA team in Jeddah and instruct them to provide foods and medicines to those who are still in Hajj deportation center, while the PCG should not stop to facilitate their repatriation,” the OFW leader added.
“The problem is the Arroyo administration itself that just pay lip service to our so called “Bagong Bayani” and failed to direct and supervise its Foreign department to put forward and advance the welfare and interest of OFWs as its primary concern, not just selling our human labor as cheap as an exported commodity,” Monterona ended. # # #
Reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East regional coordinator
Migrante Sectoral Party Vice Chairperson
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
Efficient and effective repatriation of distress workers
Benchmark India’s repatriation efforts, RP posts told
“One would notice that Indian distress workers in deportation center would only stay for few weeks, unlike the repatriation of distress and stranded OFWs that would usually take 3 to 6 months or even 1 year,” said by John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.
Monterona said Migrante-ME learned that Indian Embassy’s Welfare wing has its own effective and efficient mechanism in repatriating its own distress and stranded migrant workers.
“Indian Embassy’s issuance of its so called Emergency Certificates proved to be effective in sending its own distress migrant workers back to India, and this should be bench mark by RP posts to follow the same system in advancing the welfare and interests of our distress and stranded OFWs in the Middle East,” Monterona averred.
Monterona said he learned that Indian Embassy’s Welfare section is issuing Emergency Certificates to all Indian nationals upon proving their national identity by verifying the authenticity of their documents such as passport copy or ration card.
“By doing so, the run away worker would not wait for its employer-sponsor to issue exit clearance as it is there where the waiting take so long; often many employer-sponsor won’t issue exit clearance as they file a counter suit of absconding, considered a crime in most Middle Eastern countries labor laws, against its run away workers who are usually victims of abuses and maltreatment,” Monterona added.
On an average 5,000 emergency certificates are issued by the Indian Embassy every year. “This would mean Indian embassy is sending back to India 5,000 distress workers every year,” Monterona said.
Monterona said instead of long wait or praying at the mercy of the distress worker’s employer-sponsor to issue exit clearance, the RP post concerned should issue same of Indian’s Emergency Certificate to its distress and run away OFWs.
“If the Indian Embassy were able to do so by issuing Emergency Certificate to its distress and stranded migrant workers, why our government under the Arroyo administration through different RP posts in the Middle East could not do the same especially if it is for the welfare and interest of our distress OFWs who were victims of labor malpractices, abuses and maltreatment?” Monterona asked.
Monterona said Philippine diplomats, consular or labor, should represent the best interests and welfare of our millions OFWs who contribute a lot to our economy.
Monterona further said RP posts should think for ways and means advancing the welfare and interests of our Overseas Filipinos and OFWs, and through diplomatic course of action, diplomacy as their expertise, attain the very objective of putting forward the best interests of our OFWs.
“By doing the same efforts of the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, RP posts could solve the long perennial problem of repatriating distress and stranded OFWs, usually take 6 months to 1 year, in different deportation centers in the Middle East,” Monterona.
Monterona said there are still more than 80 plus stranded inside the deportation center in Jeddah based on Migrante's close estimates, those in Cell no.1 keeps on calling and texting Migrante that the OWWA did not to provide them food and medicines.“To OWWA Administrator Dimzon: organize your OWWA team in Jeddah and instruct them to provide foods and medicines to those who are still in Hajj deportation center, while the PCG should not stop to facilitate their repatriation,” the OFW leader added.
“The problem is the Arroyo administration itself that just pay lip service to our so called “Bagong Bayani” and failed to direct and supervise its Foreign department to put forward and advance the welfare and interest of OFWs as its primary concern, not just selling our human labor as cheap as an exported commodity,” Monterona ended. # # #
Reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East regional coordinator
Migrante Sectoral Party Vice Chairperson
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
300 stranded OFWs in Jeddah
300 stranded OFWs in Jeddah awaiting repatriation
Why wait for Gloria to come? Immediately repatriate them –Migrante-ME
Press Release
9 September 2009
Migrante-Middle East, the largest alliance of overseas Filipino workers organizations in the Middle East, today said an estimated 300 stranded OFWs in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia have long been waiting for the day to come for their repatriation so that they will be reunited with their families back home.
“We received reports from our Migrante chapter in Jeddah that the numbers of distress stranded OFWs in Jeddah seeking for repatriation have reached now to 300; yesterday, they were transferred to Hajj Airport in Jeddah hoping for their eventual deportation,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.
Monterona said repatriation of distress OFWs whose numbers usually swell during and after Ramadan is a recurring problem in Jeddah which the Philippine Consulate General failed to solve. “This has been the same problem on previous years,” Monterona continued.
Monterona said if deployment of OFWs abroad easily takes place within 1 month to 3 months in the maximum, repatriating ran away OFWs victim of abuses and maltreatment will take 3 months to 1 year long before they will be repatriated.
“But this should not be case, the “One Country Team” approach by the government is not working and ineffective; it must be coupled with genuine protection mechanism that would ensure that OFWs rights and welfare is being guaranteed by receiving host governments as well,” Monterona added.
Monterona said Migrante chapter in Jeddah first came to aid and has provided assistance to distress OFWs sometime in June when ran away OFWs started to build up in numbers under the Khandera Birdge in Jeddah.
“The PCG and OWWA in Jeddah was informed and urged to provide assistance to them; but to our dismay, OWWA failed to provide even food for their daily subsistence,” Monterona added.
Monterona further said other OFW groups, moved by the spirit of bayanihan, also started bringing foods and other necessary things for distress OFWs in Jeddah under the Khandera bridge; thanks to other OFW groups, but no thanks to OWWA which failed to provide assistance to distress OFWs abroad,” Monterona lamented.
“So where’s the Php.12-B OWWA fund intended for providing welfare services and assistance to distress OFWs abroad? How and where OWWA intend to spend the billions of OFWs trust fund?” Monterona queried.
Monterona said the 300 stranded OFWs now inside the Hajj Airport in Jeddah is hoping to be repatriated soon; in fact they are readying and now eager to be home and be reunited with their loved ones.
“But their repatriation will not happen any day from now until Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrived in Saudi Arabia reportedly in mid-September,” Monterona averred.
“Just like her previous visit in the Kingdom, she will make sure that she has a trophy to present to the public –the 300 stranded OFWs; this is cheap publicity stunt at the expense of OFWs lives and well being,” Monterona added.
“Ridiculous! The Arroyo government that endlessly peddles OFWs, also the very cause of OFWs misery, is reluctantly sending distress OFWs back home making them an object of her cheap gimmickry to deceive the public,” Monterona opined.
“With or without Gloria coming to Saudi Arabia, the hundreds of distress and stranded OFWs must be repatriated immediately as it is primary government responsibility,” Monterona ended. # # #
Reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East regional coordinator
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
Why wait for Gloria to come? Immediately repatriate them –Migrante-ME
Press Release
9 September 2009
Migrante-Middle East, the largest alliance of overseas Filipino workers organizations in the Middle East, today said an estimated 300 stranded OFWs in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia have long been waiting for the day to come for their repatriation so that they will be reunited with their families back home.
“We received reports from our Migrante chapter in Jeddah that the numbers of distress stranded OFWs in Jeddah seeking for repatriation have reached now to 300; yesterday, they were transferred to Hajj Airport in Jeddah hoping for their eventual deportation,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.
Monterona said repatriation of distress OFWs whose numbers usually swell during and after Ramadan is a recurring problem in Jeddah which the Philippine Consulate General failed to solve. “This has been the same problem on previous years,” Monterona continued.
Monterona said if deployment of OFWs abroad easily takes place within 1 month to 3 months in the maximum, repatriating ran away OFWs victim of abuses and maltreatment will take 3 months to 1 year long before they will be repatriated.
“But this should not be case, the “One Country Team” approach by the government is not working and ineffective; it must be coupled with genuine protection mechanism that would ensure that OFWs rights and welfare is being guaranteed by receiving host governments as well,” Monterona added.
Monterona said Migrante chapter in Jeddah first came to aid and has provided assistance to distress OFWs sometime in June when ran away OFWs started to build up in numbers under the Khandera Birdge in Jeddah.
“The PCG and OWWA in Jeddah was informed and urged to provide assistance to them; but to our dismay, OWWA failed to provide even food for their daily subsistence,” Monterona added.
Monterona further said other OFW groups, moved by the spirit of bayanihan, also started bringing foods and other necessary things for distress OFWs in Jeddah under the Khandera bridge; thanks to other OFW groups, but no thanks to OWWA which failed to provide assistance to distress OFWs abroad,” Monterona lamented.
“So where’s the Php.12-B OWWA fund intended for providing welfare services and assistance to distress OFWs abroad? How and where OWWA intend to spend the billions of OFWs trust fund?” Monterona queried.
Monterona said the 300 stranded OFWs now inside the Hajj Airport in Jeddah is hoping to be repatriated soon; in fact they are readying and now eager to be home and be reunited with their loved ones.
“But their repatriation will not happen any day from now until Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrived in Saudi Arabia reportedly in mid-September,” Monterona averred.
“Just like her previous visit in the Kingdom, she will make sure that she has a trophy to present to the public –the 300 stranded OFWs; this is cheap publicity stunt at the expense of OFWs lives and well being,” Monterona added.
“Ridiculous! The Arroyo government that endlessly peddles OFWs, also the very cause of OFWs misery, is reluctantly sending distress OFWs back home making them an object of her cheap gimmickry to deceive the public,” Monterona opined.
“With or without Gloria coming to Saudi Arabia, the hundreds of distress and stranded OFWs must be repatriated immediately as it is primary government responsibility,” Monterona ended. # # #
Reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East regional coordinator
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
Friday, September 4, 2009
OFW remains at Saudi hospital for a month now
OFW remains at Saudi hospital for a month now;
OFW group urges RP post to arrange repatriation of remains
Press Release
4 September 2009
An alliance of Overseas Filipino workers’ organizations based in the Middle East today said it has received reports from its chapter in Al Jouf region of Saudi Arabia about an OFW whose remains is at hospital’s morgue.
“The information we have received from KGS-Migrante Al Jouf chapter Chairperson Romeo Villacarlos is that the remains of a certain OFW Danny Pacion is still at a morgue in Qurrayat, a city near the borders of Saudi Arabia and Jordan,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.
According to Monterona, KGS-Migrante Al Jouf Chairperson Villacarlos called him yesterday and informed him that the remains of OFW Danny Pacion were still at a morgue for more than a month now.
Villacarlos said OFW Danny Pacion, on his mid-30’s, died due to heart attacked while he was sleeping sometime in August 2009 at their camp site in Qurrayat, near the borders of Saudi and Jordan.
It was learned that OFW Pacion is working as a loader operator for M/s. Al Rashid Trading and Contracting Co. receiving a monthly salary of 1,200 Saudi riyals. He was deployed by Nawras recruitment and placement agency located in Ermita, Manila sometime in the last quarter of 2007.
“Based on the limited information we got, we are calling the attention of the Philippine Embassy-Assistant to the Nationals Section to validate this information so that the family and relatives of said OFW will be informed accordingly,” Monterona said.
Monterona is also urging the Philippine Embassy-Assistant to the Nationals Section to immediately arrange the repatriation of the OFWs remains and belongings.
“We are also calling OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon to extend assistance to the family such as burial assistance, among other assistance due him right after the deceased OFW’s family is informed and advise them accordingly,” Monterona ended. # # #
Reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East regional coordinator
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Lack of protection for women OFWs
14 July 2009
PRESS RELEASE
Reference:
Garry Martinez, Chairperson-09217229740
Ailyn Abdula, Media Officer, 09212708994
Pinay OFWs being victimized in groups
Migrante assails lack of protection for women OFWs
Migrante International, a global alliance of Filipino migrant organizations, staged a picket in front of the Department of Foreign Affairs today to denounce the government’s failure to protect women OFWs who are working abroad. The group, likewise, raised serious concerns about the emerging trend of Filipinas abroad being abused in groups.
“The intensified labor export program of the Arroyo administration, which is desperately marketing OFWs as cheap labor, is taking its toll on many of our women working in different countries across the globe,” said Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International.
The group claimed that, lately, their office is being swamped by cases of violence against women migrants, and that most of the victims are domestic helpers in the Middle East. To date, the number of cases Migrante is handling involve about 60 cases of abuse against women.
“There is a disturbing trend in the kind of cases we are handling recently. We used to receive only individual cases of abuses against female OFWs, but this year there is a surge of cases of rape and other forms of abuse against groups of women OFWs in a single place of incident,” revealed Martinez.
Martinez explained that starting January this year, they were already presented with the case of 5 Filipinas languishing in jail in Syria. The women were alleged victims of human trafficking and were being starved and sexually molested in prison.
In February, Migrante said, more cases from two groups of women OFWs, one in UAE and another in Kuwait, also complained of being incarcerated for running away from their abusive employers.
“Since last month, 3 groups of women came to us asking for assistance, one group is from Saudi Arabia and two groups from Oman. The cases range from maltreatment to slavery and multiple rapes by their employers or recruiters. In all these cases is the common thread of government inaction!” exclaimed Martinez.
According to Martinez, one of the common complaints of the Pinays is the inutility of the government to protect them and that most of those who were able to escape were not even given proper legal assistance to prosecute their assailants.
“Sad to say, since the start of this year, not a single abusive employer or recruiter was even charged of their crimes. Most of the victims have told us that our embassy officials abroad are even discouraging them to formally file cases against the perpetrators, saying that it will only prolong their stay in the embassy premises. OFWs were even advised to just return home to their loved ones and forget about the abuses that happened to them. This is the legacy that President Arroyo will leave among our OFWs when her term ends next year,” Martinez concluded.
Migrante plans to make a formal report to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Migrants Rights and other international bodies that can help the victims seek justice and reparations from their alleged assailants. The United Nations General Assembly crafted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 1993 and by December 17, 1999, it designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. ####
PRESS RELEASE
Reference:
Garry Martinez, Chairperson-09217229740
Ailyn Abdula, Media Officer, 09212708994
Pinay OFWs being victimized in groups
Migrante assails lack of protection for women OFWs
Migrante International, a global alliance of Filipino migrant organizations, staged a picket in front of the Department of Foreign Affairs today to denounce the government’s failure to protect women OFWs who are working abroad. The group, likewise, raised serious concerns about the emerging trend of Filipinas abroad being abused in groups.
“The intensified labor export program of the Arroyo administration, which is desperately marketing OFWs as cheap labor, is taking its toll on many of our women working in different countries across the globe,” said Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International.
The group claimed that, lately, their office is being swamped by cases of violence against women migrants, and that most of the victims are domestic helpers in the Middle East. To date, the number of cases Migrante is handling involve about 60 cases of abuse against women.
“There is a disturbing trend in the kind of cases we are handling recently. We used to receive only individual cases of abuses against female OFWs, but this year there is a surge of cases of rape and other forms of abuse against groups of women OFWs in a single place of incident,” revealed Martinez.
Martinez explained that starting January this year, they were already presented with the case of 5 Filipinas languishing in jail in Syria. The women were alleged victims of human trafficking and were being starved and sexually molested in prison.
In February, Migrante said, more cases from two groups of women OFWs, one in UAE and another in Kuwait, also complained of being incarcerated for running away from their abusive employers.
“Since last month, 3 groups of women came to us asking for assistance, one group is from Saudi Arabia and two groups from Oman. The cases range from maltreatment to slavery and multiple rapes by their employers or recruiters. In all these cases is the common thread of government inaction!” exclaimed Martinez.
According to Martinez, one of the common complaints of the Pinays is the inutility of the government to protect them and that most of those who were able to escape were not even given proper legal assistance to prosecute their assailants.
“Sad to say, since the start of this year, not a single abusive employer or recruiter was even charged of their crimes. Most of the victims have told us that our embassy officials abroad are even discouraging them to formally file cases against the perpetrators, saying that it will only prolong their stay in the embassy premises. OFWs were even advised to just return home to their loved ones and forget about the abuses that happened to them. This is the legacy that President Arroyo will leave among our OFWs when her term ends next year,” Martinez concluded.
Migrante plans to make a formal report to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Migrants Rights and other international bodies that can help the victims seek justice and reparations from their alleged assailants. The United Nations General Assembly crafted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 1993 and by December 17, 1999, it designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. ####
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Rescue 20 Pinays in Saudi harem
27 June 2009
PRESS RELEASE
Reference:
Garry Martinez, Chairperson, 09217229740
Ailyn Abdula, Media Officer, 09212708994
Migrante calls for urgent rescue of 20 Pinays in Saudi harem
In a press conference held in a restaurant in Quezon City, a global alliance of Filipino migrant organizations revealed that 20 Filipinas are being repeatedly raped in a recruitment office in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
According to Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International, two Filipina domestic helpers were just rescued this Tuesday, June 23, 2009. The OFWs’ rescue was facilitated by Migrante Middle East.
Prior to the rescue, the said Pinay OFWs were allegedly being held in the office of Maqpoon Belahodood General Service Company, a recruitment agency owned and being managed by a certain Abu Khalid. The said domestic helpers are now staying in the Philippine embassy in Saudi Arabia.
“Two domestic helpers who were recently rescued were able to tell us by phone of their harrowing ordeal while still in the hands of their Arab recruiter. The said victims were raped by Abu Khalid and we are now very much worried of the situation of other Pinays who were left behind in the said premises. Twenty lives are at stake here and the government should act on this immediately,” warns Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International.
The group likewise presented to the media Aileen Baldiray, a domestic helper who also stayed in Abu Khalid’s recruitment office last May and gave a detailed account of their plight together with twenty more Filipinas.
“Abu Khalid also tried to rape me. It was about 9:00 in the evening when he summoned me to his office downstairs. Upon entering the room, he told me to sit down in front of his desk and casually told me of his sex life. When he noticed that I was already getting nervous, Abu Khalid immediately took off his clothes. I grabbed a pen that I saw in his desk and warned him that if he pursues with his evil plan I would be forced to stab him,” says Ailene.
According to Aileen, fellow Filipinas staying in the said building have already forewarned her when Abu Khalid summoned her. They too have been raped in the same office when Khalid called them regularly during the evening. They also claim that sometimes, Abu Khalid would even let his son or a friend rape them.
“Khalid became reluctant when he saw me with the pen. He then shouted at me to get out of the office and told me that I was the only Filipina in the building he was not able to ‘taste’ yet and that he will make sure that he will be able to rape me next time around,” added Aileen.
Aileen was able to leave the premises of said agency and stayed a while in the Philippine embassy before she was repatriated back to the Philippines last June 7, 2009.
“We demand that the Arroyo administration conduct an immediate rescue mission to save the 20 Filipinas who are still being held in the harem of Abu Khalid. The Philippine embassy in Saudi Arabia should also ensure that the said Filipinas be brought to a hospital for a medical treatment and that criminal cases be filed against Abu Khalid,” Martinez said.
The group likewise calls on the families of the victims to contact Migrante so that the local recruitment agencies here in Manila should also be held accountable. Migrante identified the said recruitment agency as AFT Company whose office is located in Ermita, Manila.
“We likewise urge President Arroyo to put on hold its intensifying labor exportation program. The biggest number of OFWs leaving the country are domestic helpers and their main destination is Saudi Arabia, a country who doesn’t even recognize the right of domestic helpers to have a day-off,” Martinez concluded.###
--
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/migranteinternational
PRESS RELEASE
Reference:
Garry Martinez, Chairperson, 09217229740
Ailyn Abdula, Media Officer, 09212708994
Migrante calls for urgent rescue of 20 Pinays in Saudi harem
In a press conference held in a restaurant in Quezon City, a global alliance of Filipino migrant organizations revealed that 20 Filipinas are being repeatedly raped in a recruitment office in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
According to Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International, two Filipina domestic helpers were just rescued this Tuesday, June 23, 2009. The OFWs’ rescue was facilitated by Migrante Middle East.
Prior to the rescue, the said Pinay OFWs were allegedly being held in the office of Maqpoon Belahodood General Service Company, a recruitment agency owned and being managed by a certain Abu Khalid. The said domestic helpers are now staying in the Philippine embassy in Saudi Arabia.
“Two domestic helpers who were recently rescued were able to tell us by phone of their harrowing ordeal while still in the hands of their Arab recruiter. The said victims were raped by Abu Khalid and we are now very much worried of the situation of other Pinays who were left behind in the said premises. Twenty lives are at stake here and the government should act on this immediately,” warns Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International.
The group likewise presented to the media Aileen Baldiray, a domestic helper who also stayed in Abu Khalid’s recruitment office last May and gave a detailed account of their plight together with twenty more Filipinas.
“Abu Khalid also tried to rape me. It was about 9:00 in the evening when he summoned me to his office downstairs. Upon entering the room, he told me to sit down in front of his desk and casually told me of his sex life. When he noticed that I was already getting nervous, Abu Khalid immediately took off his clothes. I grabbed a pen that I saw in his desk and warned him that if he pursues with his evil plan I would be forced to stab him,” says Ailene.
According to Aileen, fellow Filipinas staying in the said building have already forewarned her when Abu Khalid summoned her. They too have been raped in the same office when Khalid called them regularly during the evening. They also claim that sometimes, Abu Khalid would even let his son or a friend rape them.
“Khalid became reluctant when he saw me with the pen. He then shouted at me to get out of the office and told me that I was the only Filipina in the building he was not able to ‘taste’ yet and that he will make sure that he will be able to rape me next time around,” added Aileen.
Aileen was able to leave the premises of said agency and stayed a while in the Philippine embassy before she was repatriated back to the Philippines last June 7, 2009.
“We demand that the Arroyo administration conduct an immediate rescue mission to save the 20 Filipinas who are still being held in the harem of Abu Khalid. The Philippine embassy in Saudi Arabia should also ensure that the said Filipinas be brought to a hospital for a medical treatment and that criminal cases be filed against Abu Khalid,” Martinez said.
The group likewise calls on the families of the victims to contact Migrante so that the local recruitment agencies here in Manila should also be held accountable. Migrante identified the said recruitment agency as AFT Company whose office is located in Ermita, Manila.
“We likewise urge President Arroyo to put on hold its intensifying labor exportation program. The biggest number of OFWs leaving the country are domestic helpers and their main destination is Saudi Arabia, a country who doesn’t even recognize the right of domestic helpers to have a day-off,” Martinez concluded.###
--
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/migranteinternational
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
RP posts urge to work for amnesty of stranded, overstaying Filipinos;
Press Release
11 February 2009
RP posts urge to work for amnesty of stranded, overstaying Filipinos; Migrant group says numbers of stranded are increasing
An alliance of overseas Filipino workers' organizations based in the Middle East today is urging all Philippine Embassies and Consular offices in the Middle East to work for amnesty of distress, stranded and overstaying OFWs.
"It is now imperative for all Philippine posts abroad especially in the Middle East to work for amnesty of stranded and distress OFWs and it could possibly be done via diplomatic way," said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-ME regional coordinator.
Migrante chapters in the Middle East have noted an increasing numbers of stranded and overstaying OFWs in the Middle East, "the latest addition are the about 37 OFWs seeking refuge at Khandara Bridge in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia," Monterona added.
Monterona opined this figure may gone up in the coming months as many especially those who will be sporadically laid off may choose to stay in the Kingdom in the hope of getting another job than to go back home without a job.
"According to our Migrante-Jeddah chapter, the numbers of distress OFWs in Khandara bridge swell to about 100 during day time. It is to their observation that there are a considerable numbers out there," Monterona added.
Monterona warned that a similar situation may happen again like during the last quarter of 2007 and early months of 2008 where more than 200 stranded and overstaying OFWs have sought refuge at Khandara bridge and eventually stage protest actions inside the PCG premises against the slow action on their miserable plight provided by the Philippine Consulate General office in Jeddah.
Monterona said working for an amnesty is for the interests of stranded and overstaying OFWs. "That is why RP posts abroad are their to protect the interests of OFWs, and represents OFWs interests in relation to the host government's internal or immigration policies," Monterona averred.
"We would like to remind our diplomatic officials that many of the distress and stranded OFWs are victims of labor malpractices, non-payment of salaries, overworked, and sexual and physical abuses committed against them by their employers thus they abscond from their abusive employers," Monterona added.
The OFW leader said if absconding is a crime in most of the Middle Eastern countries, RP diplomats must not think and treat them that way, but instead provide them swift assistance for the early resolution of their cases.
"But our distress OFWs often caught between a "devil and deep blue sea", would choose to be apprehended by immigration police hoping for their eventual repatriation," Monterona added.
"That is why a pro-active actions and measures must be taken by our diplomatic officials; first to swiftly approach distress, stranded and overstaying OFWs especially those in Khadara bridge to get their names, make a lists and records their respective cases, and study for a possible amnesty deal for their repatriation," Monterona said.
Migrante-ME said the case of increasing numbers of distress, stranded and overstaying OFWs in the Middle East must one of the concerns the Arroyo administration must look at and provide the needed assistance to them.
"But to our dismay, during her recent side trip to Saudi Arabia from Davos, Switzerland, Mrs. Arroyo did not even mention about the miserable conditions of distress, stranded and overstaying OFWs. She was just busy enough selling OFWs labor cheap in the Middle East," Monterona added.
Monterona ended saying "this is one of the issues that will be brought up by Migrante International for tomorrow's internationally coordinated protests against the Arroyo administration's continued neglect, super state exactions of fees and charges from OFWs over burdening OFWs and their families, and yet without any assistance given to them, only false hopes and promises," # # #
Reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East regional coordinator
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
11 February 2009
RP posts urge to work for amnesty of stranded, overstaying Filipinos; Migrant group says numbers of stranded are increasing
An alliance of overseas Filipino workers' organizations based in the Middle East today is urging all Philippine Embassies and Consular offices in the Middle East to work for amnesty of distress, stranded and overstaying OFWs.
"It is now imperative for all Philippine posts abroad especially in the Middle East to work for amnesty of stranded and distress OFWs and it could possibly be done via diplomatic way," said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-ME regional coordinator.
Migrante chapters in the Middle East have noted an increasing numbers of stranded and overstaying OFWs in the Middle East, "the latest addition are the about 37 OFWs seeking refuge at Khandara Bridge in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia," Monterona added.
Monterona opined this figure may gone up in the coming months as many especially those who will be sporadically laid off may choose to stay in the Kingdom in the hope of getting another job than to go back home without a job.
"According to our Migrante-Jeddah chapter, the numbers of distress OFWs in Khandara bridge swell to about 100 during day time. It is to their observation that there are a considerable numbers out there," Monterona added.
Monterona warned that a similar situation may happen again like during the last quarter of 2007 and early months of 2008 where more than 200 stranded and overstaying OFWs have sought refuge at Khandara bridge and eventually stage protest actions inside the PCG premises against the slow action on their miserable plight provided by the Philippine Consulate General office in Jeddah.
Monterona said working for an amnesty is for the interests of stranded and overstaying OFWs. "That is why RP posts abroad are their to protect the interests of OFWs, and represents OFWs interests in relation to the host government's internal or immigration policies," Monterona averred.
"We would like to remind our diplomatic officials that many of the distress and stranded OFWs are victims of labor malpractices, non-payment of salaries, overworked, and sexual and physical abuses committed against them by their employers thus they abscond from their abusive employers," Monterona added.
The OFW leader said if absconding is a crime in most of the Middle Eastern countries, RP diplomats must not think and treat them that way, but instead provide them swift assistance for the early resolution of their cases.
"But our distress OFWs often caught between a "devil and deep blue sea", would choose to be apprehended by immigration police hoping for their eventual repatriation," Monterona added.
"That is why a pro-active actions and measures must be taken by our diplomatic officials; first to swiftly approach distress, stranded and overstaying OFWs especially those in Khadara bridge to get their names, make a lists and records their respective cases, and study for a possible amnesty deal for their repatriation," Monterona said.
Migrante-ME said the case of increasing numbers of distress, stranded and overstaying OFWs in the Middle East must one of the concerns the Arroyo administration must look at and provide the needed assistance to them.
"But to our dismay, during her recent side trip to Saudi Arabia from Davos, Switzerland, Mrs. Arroyo did not even mention about the miserable conditions of distress, stranded and overstaying OFWs. She was just busy enough selling OFWs labor cheap in the Middle East," Monterona added.
Monterona ended saying "this is one of the issues that will be brought up by Migrante International for tomorrow's internationally coordinated protests against the Arroyo administration's continued neglect, super state exactions of fees and charges from OFWs over burdening OFWs and their families, and yet without any assistance given to them, only false hopes and promises," # # #
Reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East regional coordinator
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Stranded OFWs camped out again in Khandara
Stranded OFWs have started to camp out again under Khandara Bridge in the hope of being picked up by Immigration Authorities. Migrante KSA calls on all concerned community organizations to help provide them with food and tents to tide them over.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Migrant groups support bill deploying more Legal Attache' in the Middle East
Press Release
24 January 2009
Migrant groups support bill deploying more Legal Attache' in the Middle East
Migrante-Middle East, an alliance of overseas Filipino workers organizations with chapters in Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and with members in other Middle Eastern countries throw its strong support on the proposed bill that would provide the provision of deploying Legal Attache in the Middle East.
On Thursday, Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo filed House Bill 5657 creating Legal Attache Office whose legal diplomats will be deployed in the Middle East to provide legal assistance to OFWs facing criminal charges.
Migrante-Middle East said the deployment of Legal Attache has long been a campaign launched by the Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS), a pioneering member-organization of Migrante based in Riyadh, along with other OFW organizations since 1998.
"Deployment of government's Labor Attache was the very promised by Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo when she visited Saudi Arabia on May 2006 during a meeting with the Filipino Community at the Philippine Embassy," said Mario Ben, KGS-Migrante Chairperson.
However, Ben added it's just "a promise that was made to be broken".
He said the necessity of having Legal diplomats deployed in the Middle East is as much as important as having Labor Attache.
"The fact that the statistics of OFWs in distress are increasing and many of which encountered legal problems with no legal representation during trial who would end up in jail would give justification for the Philippine Government through the DFA to seriously decide to deploy a considerable numbers of Legal Attache that will provide assistance to OFWs with legal problems," Ben averred.
Migrante-Middle East and Migrante-Saudi Arabia chapter last week urged the Arroyo administration through the DFA and Philippine Consular Office in Jeddah to provide legal assistance to OFWs Ryan Anievas who was accused of distributing fake riyals and Eddie Javier who was driving a truck that (was) smashed (by) a Saudi national.
On a case dialog with Migrante-Saudi Arabia on 14 January, Consul General Ezzadin Tago said PCG "did not reject" OFW Anievas request for a lawyer because they "simply cannot hire one". It manifested that the order to hire a lawyer must come from the DFA's Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) in Manila.
"OFWs Anievas and Javier are only among the many OFWs who are facing legal problems; in fact majority of those languishing in jails were deprived of legal representation during their trials," said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.
Migrante-ME said despite the huge amount appropriated from the national budget to the DFA's Assistance to the Nationals (ATN) as mandated by R.A. 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, the Arroyo administration and the Foreign Affairs department miserably failed to hire lawyers to readily defend OFWs on trial.
"The government should hire the services of Filipino Muslim lawyers who have better knowledge in Sharia law or conduct legal trainings and seminars among diplomatic staff abroad for this purpose," Monterona added.
Migrante-ME manifested that if the Arroyo regime has genuine will and care for the protection of OFWs rights and welfare, a bill is no more needed which usually take time to becoming a law.
"What the Arroyo administration should do is to issue an Administrative Order to concerned government agencies such as DFA and Department of Justice and thus, effect the creation and deployment of Legal Attache in the Middle East, since budgetary requirement for the provision of legal assistance is already appropriated to DFA's ATN and is not an issue at all" Monterona averred.
Migrante-ME ended saying since the present administration does not have serious concern and care for OFWs and their families, Bayan Muna Rep. Ocampo's initiative of filing HB 5657 is better than never. Thus, OFWs and their families will campaign and lobby to members of the Congress for its immediate passage by sending lobby letters and email barrage.
For reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East regional coordinator,
Migrante Sectoral Party Vice-Chairperson
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
24 January 2009
Migrant groups support bill deploying more Legal Attache' in the Middle East
Migrante-Middle East, an alliance of overseas Filipino workers organizations with chapters in Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and with members in other Middle Eastern countries throw its strong support on the proposed bill that would provide the provision of deploying Legal Attache in the Middle East.
On Thursday, Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo filed House Bill 5657 creating Legal Attache Office whose legal diplomats will be deployed in the Middle East to provide legal assistance to OFWs facing criminal charges.
Migrante-Middle East said the deployment of Legal Attache has long been a campaign launched by the Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS), a pioneering member-organization of Migrante based in Riyadh, along with other OFW organizations since 1998.
"Deployment of government's Labor Attache was the very promised by Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo when she visited Saudi Arabia on May 2006 during a meeting with the Filipino Community at the Philippine Embassy," said Mario Ben, KGS-Migrante Chairperson.
However, Ben added it's just "a promise that was made to be broken".
He said the necessity of having Legal diplomats deployed in the Middle East is as much as important as having Labor Attache.
"The fact that the statistics of OFWs in distress are increasing and many of which encountered legal problems with no legal representation during trial who would end up in jail would give justification for the Philippine Government through the DFA to seriously decide to deploy a considerable numbers of Legal Attache that will provide assistance to OFWs with legal problems," Ben averred.
Migrante-Middle East and Migrante-Saudi Arabia chapter last week urged the Arroyo administration through the DFA and Philippine Consular Office in Jeddah to provide legal assistance to OFWs Ryan Anievas who was accused of distributing fake riyals and Eddie Javier who was driving a truck that (was) smashed (by) a Saudi national.
On a case dialog with Migrante-Saudi Arabia on 14 January, Consul General Ezzadin Tago said PCG "did not reject" OFW Anievas request for a lawyer because they "simply cannot hire one". It manifested that the order to hire a lawyer must come from the DFA's Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) in Manila.
"OFWs Anievas and Javier are only among the many OFWs who are facing legal problems; in fact majority of those languishing in jails were deprived of legal representation during their trials," said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.
Migrante-ME said despite the huge amount appropriated from the national budget to the DFA's Assistance to the Nationals (ATN) as mandated by R.A. 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, the Arroyo administration and the Foreign Affairs department miserably failed to hire lawyers to readily defend OFWs on trial.
"The government should hire the services of Filipino Muslim lawyers who have better knowledge in Sharia law or conduct legal trainings and seminars among diplomatic staff abroad for this purpose," Monterona added.
Migrante-ME manifested that if the Arroyo regime has genuine will and care for the protection of OFWs rights and welfare, a bill is no more needed which usually take time to becoming a law.
"What the Arroyo administration should do is to issue an Administrative Order to concerned government agencies such as DFA and Department of Justice and thus, effect the creation and deployment of Legal Attache in the Middle East, since budgetary requirement for the provision of legal assistance is already appropriated to DFA's ATN and is not an issue at all" Monterona averred.
Migrante-ME ended saying since the present administration does not have serious concern and care for OFWs and their families, Bayan Muna Rep. Ocampo's initiative of filing HB 5657 is better than never. Thus, OFWs and their families will campaign and lobby to members of the Congress for its immediate passage by sending lobby letters and email barrage.
For reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East regional coordinator,
Migrante Sectoral Party Vice-Chairperson
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Group hit government’s failure to provide legal assistance
Press Release
20 January 2009
Group hit government’s failure to provide legal assistance
Migrante KSA support fund drive for beleaguered OFWs
Migrante Saudi Arabia today lambasted the Arroyo government anew for failing to provide legal assistance to two OFWs charged with criminal offenses while declaring support to the drive to raise funds for legal requirements.
“The independent initiatives to raise funds in support of OFWs charged with criminal offense, once again shows the discontent of OFWs for the inability of the government to provide assistance to compatriots in distress,” thus declared A. M. Ociones, Chairperson of Migrante KSA.
A fund drive was recently initiated to raise SAR 20,000 to pay for the services of a Saudi lawyer to represent Ryan Torres, an OFW currently facing charges for distributing alleged fake Saudi Riyal bills, a criminal offense here with a penalty of 10-15 years imprisonment.
The fund drive for Ryan was independently initiated by friends after a request to provide a lawyer was reportedly turned down by the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah (PCGJ), a claim denied by Consul General Ezzedin Tago during a recent dialogue with Migrante KSA.
According to Ociones, ConGen Tago claimed during the dialogue that the PCGJ does not have the mandate to hire a lawyer, because only the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila can do so.
Ociones thus called on the government to “do away with the bureaucratic red tape and finger-pointing and exert all efforts to provide assistance to OFWs in distress.”
At the same time, Migrante KSA is helping to raise SAR 97,000 for the damages lodged by the family of an elderly Saudi who died after the vehicle driven by the Saudi smashed on the truck operated by an OFW named Javier.
Javier, whose contract was consummated last year, has been in jail for more than six months now.
The only remaining option to free Javier, according to co-workers interviewed by Migrante KSA is the payment of the damages.
Meanwhile, Migrante KSA calls on fellow Filipinos to be “extra vigilant in dealing with everyday life in a foreign country.”
The case of Ryan and Javier, according to Ociones “teaches us to vigilantly guard against any activities that would put us in distress situations.”
“It is most tragic to let our families suffer by simply becoming a victim of circumstances,” Ociones averred.
“With the government not being able to provide assistance, the best solution is definitely ‘prevention,’ by being vigilant, keenly observant of our sorroundings, and patient,” Ociones closed. “Kung sa commercial ng vitamins, ‘bawal magkasakit!’ Sa OFWs, bawal magkaroon ng kaso, dahil hindi ka tutulungan ng gobyerno!”
For reference:
A. M. Ociones,
Chairperson, Migrante Saudi Arabia
Tel. No.: +966-56-679-3202
20 January 2009
Group hit government’s failure to provide legal assistance
Migrante KSA support fund drive for beleaguered OFWs
Migrante Saudi Arabia today lambasted the Arroyo government anew for failing to provide legal assistance to two OFWs charged with criminal offenses while declaring support to the drive to raise funds for legal requirements.
“The independent initiatives to raise funds in support of OFWs charged with criminal offense, once again shows the discontent of OFWs for the inability of the government to provide assistance to compatriots in distress,” thus declared A. M. Ociones, Chairperson of Migrante KSA.
A fund drive was recently initiated to raise SAR 20,000 to pay for the services of a Saudi lawyer to represent Ryan Torres, an OFW currently facing charges for distributing alleged fake Saudi Riyal bills, a criminal offense here with a penalty of 10-15 years imprisonment.
The fund drive for Ryan was independently initiated by friends after a request to provide a lawyer was reportedly turned down by the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah (PCGJ), a claim denied by Consul General Ezzedin Tago during a recent dialogue with Migrante KSA.
According to Ociones, ConGen Tago claimed during the dialogue that the PCGJ does not have the mandate to hire a lawyer, because only the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila can do so.
Ociones thus called on the government to “do away with the bureaucratic red tape and finger-pointing and exert all efforts to provide assistance to OFWs in distress.”
At the same time, Migrante KSA is helping to raise SAR 97,000 for the damages lodged by the family of an elderly Saudi who died after the vehicle driven by the Saudi smashed on the truck operated by an OFW named Javier.
Javier, whose contract was consummated last year, has been in jail for more than six months now.
The only remaining option to free Javier, according to co-workers interviewed by Migrante KSA is the payment of the damages.
Meanwhile, Migrante KSA calls on fellow Filipinos to be “extra vigilant in dealing with everyday life in a foreign country.”
The case of Ryan and Javier, according to Ociones “teaches us to vigilantly guard against any activities that would put us in distress situations.”
“It is most tragic to let our families suffer by simply becoming a victim of circumstances,” Ociones averred.
“With the government not being able to provide assistance, the best solution is definitely ‘prevention,’ by being vigilant, keenly observant of our sorroundings, and patient,” Ociones closed. “Kung sa commercial ng vitamins, ‘bawal magkasakit!’ Sa OFWs, bawal magkaroon ng kaso, dahil hindi ka tutulungan ng gobyerno!”
For reference:
A. M. Ociones,
Chairperson, Migrante Saudi Arabia
Tel. No.: +966-56-679-3202
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Accused OFW's plea to have a lawyer rejected by PCG
Press Release
14 January 2009
Accused OFW's plea to have a lawyer rejected by PCG;
Migrante-ME said it is gross disservice
"Rejection by the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah to a plea by an accused OFW providing him a lawyer to defend himself in court is gross disservice, not just simply a disregard of one's duty," thus said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.
Monterona is reacting to the response by the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to the plea of OFW Ryan Torres, 29 years old, an administrative staff of Resource Science Arabia Limited (RSAL) working for Petro Rabigh Project.
OFW Torres had sought Migrante's assistance as he was falsely accused of distributing fake riyals, Saudi's currency. The said riyals were also given to him as a change when he bought from other stores.
Monterona advised OFW Torres to seek legal assistance to the PCG-Assistance to the National Services (ANS) to provide him a lawyer for his defense.
"The accused OFW informed us the other day that what the PCG-ANS could provide him is a translator, and not a lawyer. For whatever reason, the PCG-ANS only knew," Monterona said.
Monterona said that such intense legal battle to prove that OFW Torres is innocent of the crime charged against him would certainly needs a local lawyer who could defend him during his trial especially that he is perceived belonging to third class category of foreigners.
"What a translator could do is to convey to the accused what the prosecutor and judge are saying during the hearing and interpret the documents written in Arabic. No more, no less," Monterona averred.
Monterona deplores the determination on the circumstances of this case by the PCG-ANS and arrived at a decision of not providing lawyer to the accused OFW despite that it is duty-bound to provide legal assistance to include the provision of hiring a lawyer as mandated in R.A. 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.
"The PCG in Jeddah must take a read on Article V, section 24 to 26 of R.A. 8042. There is no reason why OFW Torres would not be eligible for the legal assistance as mentioned in these provisions of the law," Monterona opined.
Monterona further said that this is not the first time Philippine Embassies and Consular Offices have rejected the plea of distress OFWs to provide them a lawyer for their defense.
He even noted that some of the OFWs in death row, at the beginning, have been denied services of a local hired lawyer. Migrante along with their families would always push the Department of Foreign Affairs to hire a lawyer for their defense during case dialogs.
"So what's the use of the millions of legal assistance fund appropriated yearly in the national budget coming from the tax payer's money, coming from billions of OFW remittances?" Monterona queried.
He said the Congress must look into it how the DFA spent the millions of money appropriated for the legal assistance of OFWs.
'"In the Philippines, poor people could seek the legal services of the Public Attorneys Office for free. Now working in a foreign land, to whom we could ask for legal assistance if our officials abroad would not heed on our plea to provide us a lawyer?" Monterona averred.
"It is now perceived that corruption encompasses in any branch of the government under the Arroyo administration. We don't want to think that the DFA and its foreign offices abroad have been afflicted by this very contagious disease," the OFW leader ended. # # #
For reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East regional coordinator,
Migrante Sectoral Party Vice-Chairperson
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
14 January 2009
Accused OFW's plea to have a lawyer rejected by PCG;
Migrante-ME said it is gross disservice
"Rejection by the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah to a plea by an accused OFW providing him a lawyer to defend himself in court is gross disservice, not just simply a disregard of one's duty," thus said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.
Monterona is reacting to the response by the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to the plea of OFW Ryan Torres, 29 years old, an administrative staff of Resource Science Arabia Limited (RSAL) working for Petro Rabigh Project.
OFW Torres had sought Migrante's assistance as he was falsely accused of distributing fake riyals, Saudi's currency. The said riyals were also given to him as a change when he bought from other stores.
Monterona advised OFW Torres to seek legal assistance to the PCG-Assistance to the National Services (ANS) to provide him a lawyer for his defense.
"The accused OFW informed us the other day that what the PCG-ANS could provide him is a translator, and not a lawyer. For whatever reason, the PCG-ANS only knew," Monterona said.
Monterona said that such intense legal battle to prove that OFW Torres is innocent of the crime charged against him would certainly needs a local lawyer who could defend him during his trial especially that he is perceived belonging to third class category of foreigners.
"What a translator could do is to convey to the accused what the prosecutor and judge are saying during the hearing and interpret the documents written in Arabic. No more, no less," Monterona averred.
Monterona deplores the determination on the circumstances of this case by the PCG-ANS and arrived at a decision of not providing lawyer to the accused OFW despite that it is duty-bound to provide legal assistance to include the provision of hiring a lawyer as mandated in R.A. 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.
"The PCG in Jeddah must take a read on Article V, section 24 to 26 of R.A. 8042. There is no reason why OFW Torres would not be eligible for the legal assistance as mentioned in these provisions of the law," Monterona opined.
Monterona further said that this is not the first time Philippine Embassies and Consular Offices have rejected the plea of distress OFWs to provide them a lawyer for their defense.
He even noted that some of the OFWs in death row, at the beginning, have been denied services of a local hired lawyer. Migrante along with their families would always push the Department of Foreign Affairs to hire a lawyer for their defense during case dialogs.
"So what's the use of the millions of legal assistance fund appropriated yearly in the national budget coming from the tax payer's money, coming from billions of OFW remittances?" Monterona queried.
He said the Congress must look into it how the DFA spent the millions of money appropriated for the legal assistance of OFWs.
'"In the Philippines, poor people could seek the legal services of the Public Attorneys Office for free. Now working in a foreign land, to whom we could ask for legal assistance if our officials abroad would not heed on our plea to provide us a lawyer?" Monterona averred.
"It is now perceived that corruption encompasses in any branch of the government under the Arroyo administration. We don't want to think that the DFA and its foreign offices abroad have been afflicted by this very contagious disease," the OFW leader ended. # # #
For reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East regional coordinator,
Migrante Sectoral Party Vice-Chairperson
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
Sunday, December 7, 2008
7 distress OFWs' wish: to be home this Christmas
Press Release
6 December 2008
7 distress OFWs' wish: to be home this Christmas
For OFWs continuously working straight for 36 months without vacation, though they have already completed 24-months employment contract, there is no other wish they have this Christmas- to be home and re-united again with their loved ones back home.
"To be home this Christmas is the simple wish we have heard from the seven (7) OFWs who have decided to stop their work last November 1," said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle east regional coordinator.
Monterona said the seven (7) OFWs working for Annasban, a local out-sourcing company in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have sought assistance from the Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS), a member-organization of Migrante based in Riyadh as they have run out of money for their daily subsistence.
On his letter to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Riyadh, Mario Ben, KGS-Migrante Chairperson said the seven (7) OFWs have already completed their 24-months employment contract and in fact extended their work for 1 year.
"The seven (7) OFWs were forced to stop their work on November 1, as they've have realized that their company would not give them their vacation despite numerous requests," Mario Ben added.
Mario Ben identified the seven OFWs who have sought their assistance are the following: RUTH GAYADAN, FELY CHICAY, RUBY HIPOLITO, MARICAR ESPELETA, JASSIE SANSON, CLAIRE VELORIA, JEANETTE BELINO, LORNA QUIZON, NHOORMALAH DIMAAMPO.
Jeanette Belino, one of the seven OFWs, said she had already completed her 24-months contract last April 2008. Prior to completion of her contract, she had already informed her company that she will resign from work upon completion of her contract, but was not granted by the company and were forced to work until she had decided to stop working on November 1, 2008.
"I have spoken to OFW Belino over the phone and she confirmed that along with the other 6 distress OFWs, they are asking Migrante's assistance as they have no money at all for their daily subsistence," Monterona said.
Monterona said Migrante chapter in Riyadh could only provide little amount for the 7 distress OFWs' daily subsistence. "Their immediate repatriation would be the ultimate solution to their problem, after all they have already completed their contract," he added.
The OFW leader said entitlements such as the end of service fee or gratuity, free air fare tickets, and payment for their overtime work should be given to them by their employer.
"We don't see any reason at all that their immediate repatriation will be delayed because on the very provision of their contract they are entitled for a vacation upon completion of their contract, and the Saudi Labor law is very clear that entitlement such as end of service fee and free air fare tickets must be at the employer's cost," Monterona averred.
Mario Ben and Monterona are calling the POLO officials in Riyadh to immediately act on the problem of the 7 distress OFWs who are now staying on the company-provided accommodation in Jaradiyah, Riyadh.
Migrante-ME is also calling all the Local government units (LGUs) specifically the City government of Baguio through its Public Employment Services Office (PESO) to be wary of sending would-be OFWs to Annasban company or other company as many of OFWs deployed were having the same labor-related problems with Annasban.
"The Arroyo administration in conduit with the local government units should stop sending OFWs on a large scale without guarantee that OFWs rights and welfare will be protected and safeguarded abroad. Its labor export policy must be stopped and should give emphasis on creating jobs locally." Monterona added.
"Jobs creation locally with decent wages is the best solution to the problem of retrenchment of OFWs working abroad due to global economic recession. But Mrs. Arroyo's economic policies are subservient to imperialist's neo-liberal policies of globalization in which the interests of businesses and profit is given priority over the welfare and rights of the people," Monterona ended.
(Note: OFW Jeanette Belino, one of the 7 distress OFWs, mobile number is 00966 506726489 for interview).
For references:
OFW Jeanette Belino, one of the 7 distressed OFWs,
Mobile No.+966 506726489
Mario Ben
Chairperson, Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS) Migrante chapter, Riyadh
Mobile No. 00966 502980129
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East Regional Coordinator,
Migrante Sectoral Party Vice-Chairperson
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
6 December 2008
7 distress OFWs' wish: to be home this Christmas
For OFWs continuously working straight for 36 months without vacation, though they have already completed 24-months employment contract, there is no other wish they have this Christmas- to be home and re-united again with their loved ones back home.
"To be home this Christmas is the simple wish we have heard from the seven (7) OFWs who have decided to stop their work last November 1," said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle east regional coordinator.
Monterona said the seven (7) OFWs working for Annasban, a local out-sourcing company in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have sought assistance from the Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS), a member-organization of Migrante based in Riyadh as they have run out of money for their daily subsistence.
On his letter to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Riyadh, Mario Ben, KGS-Migrante Chairperson said the seven (7) OFWs have already completed their 24-months employment contract and in fact extended their work for 1 year.
"The seven (7) OFWs were forced to stop their work on November 1, as they've have realized that their company would not give them their vacation despite numerous requests," Mario Ben added.
Mario Ben identified the seven OFWs who have sought their assistance are the following: RUTH GAYADAN, FELY CHICAY, RUBY HIPOLITO, MARICAR ESPELETA, JASSIE SANSON, CLAIRE VELORIA, JEANETTE BELINO, LORNA QUIZON, NHOORMALAH DIMAAMPO.
Jeanette Belino, one of the seven OFWs, said she had already completed her 24-months contract last April 2008. Prior to completion of her contract, she had already informed her company that she will resign from work upon completion of her contract, but was not granted by the company and were forced to work until she had decided to stop working on November 1, 2008.
"I have spoken to OFW Belino over the phone and she confirmed that along with the other 6 distress OFWs, they are asking Migrante's assistance as they have no money at all for their daily subsistence," Monterona said.
Monterona said Migrante chapter in Riyadh could only provide little amount for the 7 distress OFWs' daily subsistence. "Their immediate repatriation would be the ultimate solution to their problem, after all they have already completed their contract," he added.
The OFW leader said entitlements such as the end of service fee or gratuity, free air fare tickets, and payment for their overtime work should be given to them by their employer.
"We don't see any reason at all that their immediate repatriation will be delayed because on the very provision of their contract they are entitled for a vacation upon completion of their contract, and the Saudi Labor law is very clear that entitlement such as end of service fee and free air fare tickets must be at the employer's cost," Monterona averred.
Mario Ben and Monterona are calling the POLO officials in Riyadh to immediately act on the problem of the 7 distress OFWs who are now staying on the company-provided accommodation in Jaradiyah, Riyadh.
Migrante-ME is also calling all the Local government units (LGUs) specifically the City government of Baguio through its Public Employment Services Office (PESO) to be wary of sending would-be OFWs to Annasban company or other company as many of OFWs deployed were having the same labor-related problems with Annasban.
"The Arroyo administration in conduit with the local government units should stop sending OFWs on a large scale without guarantee that OFWs rights and welfare will be protected and safeguarded abroad. Its labor export policy must be stopped and should give emphasis on creating jobs locally." Monterona added.
"Jobs creation locally with decent wages is the best solution to the problem of retrenchment of OFWs working abroad due to global economic recession. But Mrs. Arroyo's economic policies are subservient to imperialist's neo-liberal policies of globalization in which the interests of businesses and profit is given priority over the welfare and rights of the people," Monterona ended.
(Note: OFW Jeanette Belino, one of the 7 distress OFWs, mobile number is 00966 506726489 for interview).
For references:
OFW Jeanette Belino, one of the 7 distressed OFWs,
Mobile No.+966 506726489
Mario Ben
Chairperson, Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS) Migrante chapter, Riyadh
Mobile No. 00966 502980129
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East Regional Coordinator,
Migrante Sectoral Party Vice-Chairperson
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Arroyo anew for neglect of OFWs
Press Release
29 October 2008
Reference: A. M. Ociones
Chairperson, Migrante KSA
Mobile: +966-56-679-3202
Email: migrante_ksa@yahoo.com
Migrant group in Saudi Arabia score Arroyo anew for neglect of OFWs
Cites lack of medical benefits
“Arroyo should call for better migrant protection in front of a mirror,” thus declared Migrante Saudi Arabia Chairperson A. M. Ociones in response to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's keynote speech Wednesday to the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in Manila.
Ociones notes that while Arroyo called “to gather (the) collective will, joint resources, and common efforts” of “international organizations and global civil societies for the protection of migrant workers rights,” a Filipina confined at a hospital in Jeddah cannot be discharged due to ballooning hospitalization costs and the government's failure to provide assistance.
Aida Gutierrez, 41, a dressmaker from San Isidro, Nueva Ecija was hospitalized on October 2 due to diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure.
As of October 25, Gutierrez bill at the Saudi German Hospital already costs SAR 118,838.70 (roughly PHP 1,564,383 at conversion rate of SAR 1 = PHP13.164).
Twice abandoned
Gutierrez' employer did not provide for any medical insurance coverage as mandated by local Saudi laws and has refused to shoulder her hospitalization from the very start.
“Her employer has already abandoned her fearing the high medical cost and now the government has abandoned Gutierrez by totally ignoring her needs," Ociones laments.
Quoting relatives in their documentation, Migrante KSA notes that the government representatives response to Gutierrez' case ranges from a 'non-committal' promise of “assistance… sa abot ng aming makakaya” from Consul General Ezzedin Tago to an outright “wala kaming pondo” by the local Welfare Officer.
In the Case Profile prepared by Migrante KSA, Jeddah Labor Attache Buliok Nilong apparently admitted to the victim's sister that they cannot do anything by saying “wala tayong magagawa dyan... Walang batas na pwedeng magpwersa sa employer na sagutin ang pagpapagamot.”
“These responses is totally reflective the government's de facto policy of reneging on their mandate to serve migrant Filipinos, ” Ociones adds.
Fund-raising
On the other hand, OFW groups in Saudi Arabia, including Migrante, are now all busy raising funds for the hospitalization cost of Aida, but Migrante KSA feels it would not be enough.
“OWWA has billions in its coffers but nothing for situations like these! Where does all our money go?” Ociones asks citing the admission of Welfare Officer Romeo Pablo that OWWA has no funds and that he will ask other community organizations to start raising money.
“Surely, OWWA do have the funds, but no, they expect that the cost be shouldered again by the virtuous charity of OFWs,” Ociones adds blasting Arroyo at the same time for her policy to pull out the medical coverage from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and transferring it to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) in 2004.
Migrante asserts that the transfer of OWWA Medicare coupled with the implementation of the OWWA Omnibus Policy in September 2004 effectively denied OFWs with proper medical coverage.
PhilHealth, according to Migrante and by own admission of OWWA staff here in Jeddah, can only own up to 20% of total hospitalization cost which can only be reimbursed in the Philippines.
“In a way, Arroyo is right,” Ociones concludes. “Arroyo's government is noteworthy for passing the burden of protecting and ensuring the rights and welfare of migrant workers on people other than themselves who was mandated by the Constitution.”
Arroyo made the call to the GFMD in the context of current global financial crisis which, Migrante asserts affects Filipino migrant workers in more ways than one.
“That employers are abandoning their workers like Aida Gutierrez is a direct result of the global economic crunch,” Ociones concludes. “And we expect more of these happening with the intensification of labor-export under the GFMD.”
29 October 2008
Reference: A. M. Ociones
Chairperson, Migrante KSA
Mobile: +966-56-679-3202
Email: migrante_ksa@yahoo.com
Migrant group in Saudi Arabia score Arroyo anew for neglect of OFWs
Cites lack of medical benefits
“Arroyo should call for better migrant protection in front of a mirror,” thus declared Migrante Saudi Arabia Chairperson A. M. Ociones in response to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's keynote speech Wednesday to the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in Manila.
Ociones notes that while Arroyo called “to gather (the) collective will, joint resources, and common efforts” of “international organizations and global civil societies for the protection of migrant workers rights,” a Filipina confined at a hospital in Jeddah cannot be discharged due to ballooning hospitalization costs and the government's failure to provide assistance.
Aida Gutierrez, 41, a dressmaker from San Isidro, Nueva Ecija was hospitalized on October 2 due to diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure.
As of October 25, Gutierrez bill at the Saudi German Hospital already costs SAR 118,838.70 (roughly PHP 1,564,383 at conversion rate of SAR 1 = PHP13.164).
Twice abandoned
Gutierrez' employer did not provide for any medical insurance coverage as mandated by local Saudi laws and has refused to shoulder her hospitalization from the very start.
“Her employer has already abandoned her fearing the high medical cost and now the government has abandoned Gutierrez by totally ignoring her needs," Ociones laments.
Quoting relatives in their documentation, Migrante KSA notes that the government representatives response to Gutierrez' case ranges from a 'non-committal' promise of “assistance… sa abot ng aming makakaya” from Consul General Ezzedin Tago to an outright “wala kaming pondo” by the local Welfare Officer.
In the Case Profile prepared by Migrante KSA, Jeddah Labor Attache Buliok Nilong apparently admitted to the victim's sister that they cannot do anything by saying “wala tayong magagawa dyan... Walang batas na pwedeng magpwersa sa employer na sagutin ang pagpapagamot.”
“These responses is totally reflective the government's de facto policy of reneging on their mandate to serve migrant Filipinos, ” Ociones adds.
Fund-raising
On the other hand, OFW groups in Saudi Arabia, including Migrante, are now all busy raising funds for the hospitalization cost of Aida, but Migrante KSA feels it would not be enough.
“OWWA has billions in its coffers but nothing for situations like these! Where does all our money go?” Ociones asks citing the admission of Welfare Officer Romeo Pablo that OWWA has no funds and that he will ask other community organizations to start raising money.
“Surely, OWWA do have the funds, but no, they expect that the cost be shouldered again by the virtuous charity of OFWs,” Ociones adds blasting Arroyo at the same time for her policy to pull out the medical coverage from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and transferring it to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) in 2004.
Migrante asserts that the transfer of OWWA Medicare coupled with the implementation of the OWWA Omnibus Policy in September 2004 effectively denied OFWs with proper medical coverage.
PhilHealth, according to Migrante and by own admission of OWWA staff here in Jeddah, can only own up to 20% of total hospitalization cost which can only be reimbursed in the Philippines.
“In a way, Arroyo is right,” Ociones concludes. “Arroyo's government is noteworthy for passing the burden of protecting and ensuring the rights and welfare of migrant workers on people other than themselves who was mandated by the Constitution.”
Arroyo made the call to the GFMD in the context of current global financial crisis which, Migrante asserts affects Filipino migrant workers in more ways than one.
“That employers are abandoning their workers like Aida Gutierrez is a direct result of the global economic crunch,” Ociones concludes. “And we expect more of these happening with the intensification of labor-export under the GFMD.”
* * *
Case Profile: Aida Gutierrez
Case Profile:
(Based on personal interviews with relatives and concerned individuals conducted by Migrante KSA on October 27 and October 29; and emails from various sources.)
Victim Name: Aida Palmones Gutierrez
Age: 41
Occupation: Dressmaker
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Residence in Philippines: San Isidro, Nueva Ecija
Chronology:
01 October ~ Co-workers at the workplace reported to her sister Precy that Aida dropped unconscious after complaining of “panghihina.” Aida was then admitted at the Saudi German Hospital and was diagnosed with “disturbed conscious level, diabetes mellitus and renal failure” and was instantly sent to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Aida was not covered by any medical insurance, a legal requirement for foreign workers. Precy immediately went to Aida’s employer to seek assistance but the employer refused.
For the next few days, Precy repeatedly went to Aida’s employer but this would not relent, insisting instead that, (1) Precy shoulder all medical expense since she (and not the employer) sent Aida to the hospital and (2) she should ask fellow Filipinos to raise funds for the hospitalization costs. The employer even told her not to sleep so she could raise the money.
05 October ~ Precy and a friend went to the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah where she was referred to Labor Attache Buliok Nilong. Nilong reportedly said: “wala tayong magagawa dyan. Walang batas na pwedeng magpwersa sa employer na sagutin ang pagpapagamot (kay Aida).”
Nilong then referred her to OWWA, but OWWA staff referred her back to POLO.
At the same time, OWWA insisted that Aida was not covered by Phil Health since her payment was not up-to-date and told her that “ang PhilHealth sa Pilipinas lang makukuha.”
06 October ~ Precy and her friend went to meet Nilong again the next day, and reportedly repeated only what the Labor Attache said the other day. Nilong dismissed Precy by handing her a SAR 100 bill and saying: “Heto, abuloy ko na lang sa kapatid mo.”
Again, people in the Consulate referred her back and forth between POLO and OWWA.
Later in the day, Precy was accompanied to the hospital by Asst. Labor Attache Adam Musa, Welfare Officer Romeo Pablo and Dr. Romualdo Exmundo. The representatives were non-committal (this is our conclusion) but promised Precy they will take action.
08 October ~ Aida was discharged from the Intensive Care Unit.
11 October ~ Aida was returned to the Intensive Care Unit but was released to the ward the next day.
12 October ~ Aida’s hospital bill reached almost SAR 100,000.
Exact date unknown (between 12 Oct. and 25 Oct) ~ A concerned citizen asked the staff of a senator (Senator’s name withheld by documentor) for assistance. The senator’s staff reportedly said that they can only give USD 200.
Aida’s family in the Philippines paid her Phil Health premium to keep her up-to-date.
Consul General Ezzedin Tago and Consul Leo Tito Asuan personally visited Aida in the hospital. ConGen Tago handed Precy some money (exact amount unknown) to help cover the hospital expenses. At the same time, Tago promised “assistance… sa abot ng aming makakaya.”
25 October ~ Total hospital bill reached SAR 118,838.70.
27 October ~ Precy went to the Philippine Consulate and was able to talk to ConGen Tago again. He showed her a fax dated October 21 (or 23, the source was not sure of the date) from DFA Undersecretary Esteban Conejos urging the OWWA Administrator to “ayusin ang kaso” (Precy’s words).
Precy asked OWWA staff later about the certain fax from the DFA but she was told: “wala kaming natatanggap.”
Going back, ConGen Tago reportedly admitted to Precy: “alam mo ang mga tao dito, parang pako, kung hindi mo pukpukin, hindi babaon.” Tago also promised to look into the matter personally and at the same time, gave her some amount (amount withheld by documentor) to help cover their expenses.
Ambassador Antonio Villamor, in an email circulating among OFs reportedly told a local community leader: "It doesn’t matter now if she is an OWWA member or not. What is important is to get Aida out of the Hospital (because of the huge running bill) and send her home to her family."
29 October ~ A concerned relative called Pablo Singco, supposed Presidential Adviser for Oveseas Filipinos under Vice President Noli De Castro’s office who admitted Aida was (or should be) covered by OWWA.
The same concerned relative also called Jeddah Welfare Officer Romeo Pablo who reportedly said: “wala kaming maibibigay na pondo, kundi tatawag sa Biyernes ng mga charity para makalikom ng pondo.”
Conclusion:
1. Abandonment by employer.
The employer clearly abandoned their responsibility for the hospitalization of Aida Gutierez.
2. Abandonment by concerned government agencies.
Government POLO/OWWA staff definitely reneged on their responsibility even with written proof from the OWWA National Office that her case be taken care of and personal assurances from Consul General Ezzedin Tago and Ambassador Antonio Villamor.
Recommendations:
1. Mobilize concerned community groups to help raise funds for the hospitalization cost and other expenses. Support other related initiatives.
2. Appeal to the OWWA National Office and other concerned government agencies to release funds for the hospitalization expense, taking note that the longer she stays in the hospital the higher the fees get (fees increase by approximately SAR 500 per day).
3. After resolving issue of hospitalization fees, appeal to concerned government agencies for immediate repatriation and further medical attention in the Philippines.
4. Determine culpability of OWWA / POLO staff and request immediate appropriate action.
5. Initiate dialogues with concerned government agencies to determine proper course of action towards certain cases of abandonment by employers.
6. Call for the return of medical coverage from Phil Health to OWWA; Phil Health only as an optional alternative to OWWA Medical program (similar to the SSS coverage for OFWs); expansion of benefits for overseas Filipinos; and, the scrapping of the OWWA Omnibus Policies implemented in September 2004 which restricted the services beneficial to OFWs.
(Based on personal interviews with relatives and concerned individuals conducted by Migrante KSA on October 27 and October 29; and emails from various sources.)
Victim Name: Aida Palmones Gutierrez
Age: 41
Occupation: Dressmaker
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Residence in Philippines: San Isidro, Nueva Ecija
Chronology:
01 October ~ Co-workers at the workplace reported to her sister Precy that Aida dropped unconscious after complaining of “panghihina.” Aida was then admitted at the Saudi German Hospital and was diagnosed with “disturbed conscious level, diabetes mellitus and renal failure” and was instantly sent to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Aida was not covered by any medical insurance, a legal requirement for foreign workers. Precy immediately went to Aida’s employer to seek assistance but the employer refused.
For the next few days, Precy repeatedly went to Aida’s employer but this would not relent, insisting instead that, (1) Precy shoulder all medical expense since she (and not the employer) sent Aida to the hospital and (2) she should ask fellow Filipinos to raise funds for the hospitalization costs. The employer even told her not to sleep so she could raise the money.
05 October ~ Precy and a friend went to the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah where she was referred to Labor Attache Buliok Nilong. Nilong reportedly said: “wala tayong magagawa dyan. Walang batas na pwedeng magpwersa sa employer na sagutin ang pagpapagamot (kay Aida).”
Nilong then referred her to OWWA, but OWWA staff referred her back to POLO.
At the same time, OWWA insisted that Aida was not covered by Phil Health since her payment was not up-to-date and told her that “ang PhilHealth sa Pilipinas lang makukuha.”
06 October ~ Precy and her friend went to meet Nilong again the next day, and reportedly repeated only what the Labor Attache said the other day. Nilong dismissed Precy by handing her a SAR 100 bill and saying: “Heto, abuloy ko na lang sa kapatid mo.”
Again, people in the Consulate referred her back and forth between POLO and OWWA.
Later in the day, Precy was accompanied to the hospital by Asst. Labor Attache Adam Musa, Welfare Officer Romeo Pablo and Dr. Romualdo Exmundo. The representatives were non-committal (this is our conclusion) but promised Precy they will take action.
08 October ~ Aida was discharged from the Intensive Care Unit.
11 October ~ Aida was returned to the Intensive Care Unit but was released to the ward the next day.
12 October ~ Aida’s hospital bill reached almost SAR 100,000.
Exact date unknown (between 12 Oct. and 25 Oct) ~ A concerned citizen asked the staff of a senator (Senator’s name withheld by documentor) for assistance. The senator’s staff reportedly said that they can only give USD 200.
Aida’s family in the Philippines paid her Phil Health premium to keep her up-to-date.
Consul General Ezzedin Tago and Consul Leo Tito Asuan personally visited Aida in the hospital. ConGen Tago handed Precy some money (exact amount unknown) to help cover the hospital expenses. At the same time, Tago promised “assistance… sa abot ng aming makakaya.”
25 October ~ Total hospital bill reached SAR 118,838.70.
27 October ~ Precy went to the Philippine Consulate and was able to talk to ConGen Tago again. He showed her a fax dated October 21 (or 23, the source was not sure of the date) from DFA Undersecretary Esteban Conejos urging the OWWA Administrator to “ayusin ang kaso” (Precy’s words).
Precy asked OWWA staff later about the certain fax from the DFA but she was told: “wala kaming natatanggap.”
Going back, ConGen Tago reportedly admitted to Precy: “alam mo ang mga tao dito, parang pako, kung hindi mo pukpukin, hindi babaon.” Tago also promised to look into the matter personally and at the same time, gave her some amount (amount withheld by documentor) to help cover their expenses.
Ambassador Antonio Villamor, in an email circulating among OFs reportedly told a local community leader: "It doesn’t matter now if she is an OWWA member or not. What is important is to get Aida out of the Hospital (because of the huge running bill) and send her home to her family."
29 October ~ A concerned relative called Pablo Singco, supposed Presidential Adviser for Oveseas Filipinos under Vice President Noli De Castro’s office who admitted Aida was (or should be) covered by OWWA.
The same concerned relative also called Jeddah Welfare Officer Romeo Pablo who reportedly said: “wala kaming maibibigay na pondo, kundi tatawag sa Biyernes ng mga charity para makalikom ng pondo.”
Conclusion:
1. Abandonment by employer.
The employer clearly abandoned their responsibility for the hospitalization of Aida Gutierez.
2. Abandonment by concerned government agencies.
Government POLO/OWWA staff definitely reneged on their responsibility even with written proof from the OWWA National Office that her case be taken care of and personal assurances from Consul General Ezzedin Tago and Ambassador Antonio Villamor.
Recommendations:
1. Mobilize concerned community groups to help raise funds for the hospitalization cost and other expenses. Support other related initiatives.
2. Appeal to the OWWA National Office and other concerned government agencies to release funds for the hospitalization expense, taking note that the longer she stays in the hospital the higher the fees get (fees increase by approximately SAR 500 per day).
3. After resolving issue of hospitalization fees, appeal to concerned government agencies for immediate repatriation and further medical attention in the Philippines.
4. Determine culpability of OWWA / POLO staff and request immediate appropriate action.
5. Initiate dialogues with concerned government agencies to determine proper course of action towards certain cases of abandonment by employers.
6. Call for the return of medical coverage from Phil Health to OWWA; Phil Health only as an optional alternative to OWWA Medical program (similar to the SSS coverage for OFWs); expansion of benefits for overseas Filipinos; and, the scrapping of the OWWA Omnibus Policies implemented in September 2004 which restricted the services beneficial to OFWs.
Documentation by:
Committee of Rights and Welfare (CRAW)
Migrante International – Jeddah (KSA) Chapter
Last update: 29 October 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
GMA asked to ensure OFWs safety in Lebanon
Press Release
May 14, 2008
Despite deployment ban
OFWs still sent to chaotic Lebanon ;
Arroyo govt. urge to take measure to ensure OFWs safety
An alliance of Overseas Filipino workers’ organizations in the Middle East today lambasted the Arroyo administration and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) which are sleeping in its monitoring against recruitment agencies that keep on sending OFWs to Lebanon despite deployment ban imposed by the government.
An officer of Filipino-Lebanese Friendship Association based in Lebanon the other day has confirmed that around 5,000 Filipino households have entered in Lebanon since the Israel-Lebanon conflict in 2006 has ended.
“It has been reported that violence has been escalating in Lebanon due to infighting of two warring Muslim factions, the Shiite and Sunni groups, and based on our monitoring from local media it will escalate in the coming days; such hostilities in Lebanon certainly put the lives of fellow OFWs in Lebanon at great risks,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante Middle East regional coordinator.
International media reported an estimated 50 people have already been killed due to heavy fighting between US-backed Lebanon government army and militia Hezbollah group which the former opted a policy of disarming the latter.
There are an estimated 25,000 OFWs now working in Lebanon mostly as domestic helpers.
“Like in Iraq , despite deployment ban imposed by the Arroyo administration, we are wondering why there are still a considerable numbers of OFWs that have been sent to work as domestic helpers in Lebanon where a civil war is now escalating,” Monterona queried.
Monterona further said that during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict most Lebanese employers have just left their domestic helpers and were even locked inside their employer’s houses.
“That time Lebanese are swiftly fleeing and securing only themselves and members of their families leaving behind our fellow OFWs at their employer’s houses, thus putting OFWs lives at great risks at time when heavy bombs are pouring like rain,” Monterona continued.
Issuance of advisory from the Philippine government to OFWs in Lebanon to keep off the streets and just follow their employer’s instruction is not enough; a pro-active plan must now be crafted having in mind the safety and security of our fellow OFWs in Lebanon .
“The Middle East Preparedness Team which has been headed by Gen. Roy Cimatu should immediately assess the worsening situation in Lebanon and from its assessment, if required, develop a plan for the immediate evacuation of the more or less 100 stranded and ran away OFWs in Philippine Embassy’s resource center.
Monterona said that Philippine officials in Lebanon should made themselves and their office available and try to get in touch with our fellow OFWs by having available telephone hotlines in time where fellow OFWs need assistance for their safety and security.
However, the migrant leader reminded the Arroyo administration that the cost for evacuation of OFWs in Lebanon should not be made a justification to charging it from Php.10-B OWWA fund held in trust in the government.
Monterona recalled the released of US$293,500 for the Middle East Preparedness Team during the US war of aggression in Iraq presumably for the immediate repatriation of OFWs but in fact no repatriation took placed, and the said amount has not been properly audited.
Migrante ME is urging the POEA to intensify its monitoring drive against recruitment agencies that are continuously sending OFWs in Lebanon and Iraq , where there is heavy internal conflict.
“The Arroyo administration and POEA should seriously prosecute recruitment agencies violating the deployment ban in Lebanon and Iraq to ensure that our fellow OFWs and aspiring alike will not be sent to war-torn Iraq and Lebanon .” Monterona added.
“We reiterate our call to POEA Administrator Rosalinda Baldoz to seriously investigate and prosecute its officials as well who are found to be conniving with recruitment agencies that are still sending OFWs in Lebanon and Iraq despite the government imposed deployment ban as we have heard “pera pera lang iyan” (money is all that needed) to acquire an Overseas employment Certificate (OEC) from POEA,” Monterona ended. # # #
References:
John Leonard Monterona
regional coordinator
Migrante Middle East
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
May 14, 2008
Despite deployment ban
OFWs still sent to chaotic Lebanon ;
Arroyo govt. urge to take measure to ensure OFWs safety
An alliance of Overseas Filipino workers’ organizations in the Middle East today lambasted the Arroyo administration and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) which are sleeping in its monitoring against recruitment agencies that keep on sending OFWs to Lebanon despite deployment ban imposed by the government.
An officer of Filipino-Lebanese Friendship Association based in Lebanon the other day has confirmed that around 5,000 Filipino households have entered in Lebanon since the Israel-Lebanon conflict in 2006 has ended.
“It has been reported that violence has been escalating in Lebanon due to infighting of two warring Muslim factions, the Shiite and Sunni groups, and based on our monitoring from local media it will escalate in the coming days; such hostilities in Lebanon certainly put the lives of fellow OFWs in Lebanon at great risks,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante Middle East regional coordinator.
International media reported an estimated 50 people have already been killed due to heavy fighting between US-backed Lebanon government army and militia Hezbollah group which the former opted a policy of disarming the latter.
There are an estimated 25,000 OFWs now working in Lebanon mostly as domestic helpers.
“Like in Iraq , despite deployment ban imposed by the Arroyo administration, we are wondering why there are still a considerable numbers of OFWs that have been sent to work as domestic helpers in Lebanon where a civil war is now escalating,” Monterona queried.
Monterona further said that during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict most Lebanese employers have just left their domestic helpers and were even locked inside their employer’s houses.
“That time Lebanese are swiftly fleeing and securing only themselves and members of their families leaving behind our fellow OFWs at their employer’s houses, thus putting OFWs lives at great risks at time when heavy bombs are pouring like rain,” Monterona continued.
Issuance of advisory from the Philippine government to OFWs in Lebanon to keep off the streets and just follow their employer’s instruction is not enough; a pro-active plan must now be crafted having in mind the safety and security of our fellow OFWs in Lebanon .
“The Middle East Preparedness Team which has been headed by Gen. Roy Cimatu should immediately assess the worsening situation in Lebanon and from its assessment, if required, develop a plan for the immediate evacuation of the more or less 100 stranded and ran away OFWs in Philippine Embassy’s resource center.
Monterona said that Philippine officials in Lebanon should made themselves and their office available and try to get in touch with our fellow OFWs by having available telephone hotlines in time where fellow OFWs need assistance for their safety and security.
However, the migrant leader reminded the Arroyo administration that the cost for evacuation of OFWs in Lebanon should not be made a justification to charging it from Php.10-B OWWA fund held in trust in the government.
Monterona recalled the released of US$293,500 for the Middle East Preparedness Team during the US war of aggression in Iraq presumably for the immediate repatriation of OFWs but in fact no repatriation took placed, and the said amount has not been properly audited.
Migrante ME is urging the POEA to intensify its monitoring drive against recruitment agencies that are continuously sending OFWs in Lebanon and Iraq , where there is heavy internal conflict.
“The Arroyo administration and POEA should seriously prosecute recruitment agencies violating the deployment ban in Lebanon and Iraq to ensure that our fellow OFWs and aspiring alike will not be sent to war-torn Iraq and Lebanon .” Monterona added.
“We reiterate our call to POEA Administrator Rosalinda Baldoz to seriously investigate and prosecute its officials as well who are found to be conniving with recruitment agencies that are still sending OFWs in Lebanon and Iraq despite the government imposed deployment ban as we have heard “pera pera lang iyan” (money is all that needed) to acquire an Overseas employment Certificate (OEC) from POEA,” Monterona ended. # # #
References:
John Leonard Monterona
regional coordinator
Migrante Middle East
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
Sunday, May 11, 2008
As Saudi Govt. implements ‘finger-printing’ on all expatriates
Press Release
May 11, 2008
As Saudi Govt. implements ‘finger-printing’ on all expatriates
Migrante urges RP Officials to extend special assistance to undocumented, over-staying, and ran away OFWs
An alliance of overseas Filipino Workers’ organization in the Middle East today said that the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Consulate General should be prepared and ready its office to extend assistance to undocumented OFWs as the Saudi government had decided to implement mandatory finger-printing on all expatriate workers starting yesterday, May 10, 2008.
“Local media reported that the Saudi government through its Director General of the Passport Department, strengthening its internal security measures just like other governments in the Middle East, has opted to implement finger-printing on all migrant workers effective May 10, 2008; such will put the lives and jobs of undocumented and over-staying OFWs at big risk,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante Middle East regional coordinator.
Monterona said that finger-printing requirement in the issuance of residence permit called Iqama in Saudi is not new as several Middle Eastern governments have already put in placed similar requirement such as Qatar that has its Pataqa, only to be issued to a migrant worker after “finger-printing” has been done; while the UAE government has its eye-scan mandatory requirement.
“We have been receiving reports from our members and OFW friends that in fact some big companies in Saudi Arabia that employed large numbers of migrant workers has already introduced “finger-printing” on all its employees last year,” said Mario Ben, Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS-Migrante Riyadh chapter) Chairperson.
The migrant leader said that any government has the inherent right to protect its own nationals and maintain public order but he stressed that it should not be at the expense of migrant workers rights’ violations.
“We are much concerned on our fellow OFWs who have been over staying, undocumented, and ran away from their employer as the finger-printing requirement will be implemented in the entire Kingdom; the Saudi government may soon require all companies to facilitate the finger-printing of their respective expatriate workers, not only those who are newly arrived,” Mario Ben added.
Andrew M. Ociones, Migrante-Saudi Arabia chapter Chairperson said that Saudi Immigration Police is continuously undertaking selective raids on the alleged houses and shelter of undocumented and ran away migrant workers including OFWs in Jeddah and Riyadh .
Migrante members in Jeddah reported that last April 19, the Immigration Police raided three (3) adjacent buildings where several Indonesians and Bangladeshi along with their children and other migrant workers numbering to 100 have been arrested and were taken inside the 2 buses going to the detention center.
“With the implementation of “finger-printing” in Saudi Arabia, we are worried that all ran away and stranded will now be classified and treated as ordinary criminals as such it is leading to “criminalization” status of undocumented, ran away and stranded at deportation centers and resource centers in the entire Kingdom,” Ociones added.
In lieu of the implementation of ‘finger-printing’ requirement in Saudi Arabia , Migrante is urging the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah to prepare a pro-active action plan.
“The conduct of diplomatic talks to explore the possibility of granting amnesty to some undocumented, and those who are employed to other company but not under its sponsorship, and those who are ran away and distress OFWs seeking refuge and temporarily staying on their relatives and friends; to facilitate the immediate repatriation of the less than 200 stranded OFWs in Riyadh and remaining more than 100 OFWs in Jeddah deportation center are among of the actions our officials could undertake,” Monterona added.
“Our Officials abroad should not wait time to come where a distress and ran away OFW has been charged, detained and be treated like an ordinary criminal whose only option is to leave his or her abusive and errant employer,” Monterona ended. # # #
References:
Andrew M. Ociones, Chairperson
Migrante-Saudi Arabia
Mobile No.: 00966 508 94 4426
Mario Ben, Chairperson
Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS-Migrante) Riyadh Chapter
Mobile No.: 00966 565 74 5214
John Leonard Monterona
regional coordinator
Migrante Middle East
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
May 11, 2008
As Saudi Govt. implements ‘finger-printing’ on all expatriates
Migrante urges RP Officials to extend special assistance to undocumented, over-staying, and ran away OFWs
An alliance of overseas Filipino Workers’ organization in the Middle East today said that the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Consulate General should be prepared and ready its office to extend assistance to undocumented OFWs as the Saudi government had decided to implement mandatory finger-printing on all expatriate workers starting yesterday, May 10, 2008.
“Local media reported that the Saudi government through its Director General of the Passport Department, strengthening its internal security measures just like other governments in the Middle East, has opted to implement finger-printing on all migrant workers effective May 10, 2008; such will put the lives and jobs of undocumented and over-staying OFWs at big risk,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante Middle East regional coordinator.
Monterona said that finger-printing requirement in the issuance of residence permit called Iqama in Saudi is not new as several Middle Eastern governments have already put in placed similar requirement such as Qatar that has its Pataqa, only to be issued to a migrant worker after “finger-printing” has been done; while the UAE government has its eye-scan mandatory requirement.
“We have been receiving reports from our members and OFW friends that in fact some big companies in Saudi Arabia that employed large numbers of migrant workers has already introduced “finger-printing” on all its employees last year,” said Mario Ben, Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS-Migrante Riyadh chapter) Chairperson.
The migrant leader said that any government has the inherent right to protect its own nationals and maintain public order but he stressed that it should not be at the expense of migrant workers rights’ violations.
“We are much concerned on our fellow OFWs who have been over staying, undocumented, and ran away from their employer as the finger-printing requirement will be implemented in the entire Kingdom; the Saudi government may soon require all companies to facilitate the finger-printing of their respective expatriate workers, not only those who are newly arrived,” Mario Ben added.
Andrew M. Ociones, Migrante-Saudi Arabia chapter Chairperson said that Saudi Immigration Police is continuously undertaking selective raids on the alleged houses and shelter of undocumented and ran away migrant workers including OFWs in Jeddah and Riyadh .
Migrante members in Jeddah reported that last April 19, the Immigration Police raided three (3) adjacent buildings where several Indonesians and Bangladeshi along with their children and other migrant workers numbering to 100 have been arrested and were taken inside the 2 buses going to the detention center.
“With the implementation of “finger-printing” in Saudi Arabia, we are worried that all ran away and stranded will now be classified and treated as ordinary criminals as such it is leading to “criminalization” status of undocumented, ran away and stranded at deportation centers and resource centers in the entire Kingdom,” Ociones added.
In lieu of the implementation of ‘finger-printing’ requirement in Saudi Arabia , Migrante is urging the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah to prepare a pro-active action plan.
“The conduct of diplomatic talks to explore the possibility of granting amnesty to some undocumented, and those who are employed to other company but not under its sponsorship, and those who are ran away and distress OFWs seeking refuge and temporarily staying on their relatives and friends; to facilitate the immediate repatriation of the less than 200 stranded OFWs in Riyadh and remaining more than 100 OFWs in Jeddah deportation center are among of the actions our officials could undertake,” Monterona added.
“Our Officials abroad should not wait time to come where a distress and ran away OFW has been charged, detained and be treated like an ordinary criminal whose only option is to leave his or her abusive and errant employer,” Monterona ended. # # #
References:
Andrew M. Ociones, Chairperson
Migrante-Saudi Arabia
Mobile No.: 00966 508 94 4426
Mario Ben, Chairperson
Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS-Migrante) Riyadh Chapter
Mobile No.: 00966 565 74 5214
John Leonard Monterona
regional coordinator
Migrante Middle East
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
DonDon Lanuza Appeal
Migrante Saudi Arabia issues the following appeal of our kababayan DonDon Lanuza (shown here) who is currently in death row here in Saudi Arabia, sent via SMS just today, 23 April 2008.
To Whom it May Concern
I'm so sorry for disturbance... Im begging your kindness.. PLEASE HELP... I would want to follow-up my Appeal to anyone...
May dalawang anak po ako, napahinto sa pag-aaral ng huling pasukan dahil po sa kapos sa pinansyal na di po kaya naming mag-asawang tustusan... Nakatali po ang Kamay at Paa ko, di po makakilos para maitaguyod po ang pamumuhay ng 2 anak ko...
Nasaan na po ang mga Programa ng ating Gobyerno para sa mga kapos-palad na mamamayan lalung-lalo na po sa isang OFW na katulad ko na isang PRESO sa Kaharian ng Saudia Arabiya? Di ba po na tinatawag ng Gobyerno na modern hero ang mga OFW dahil sa magandang ekonomiya ng ating bansa, ngayon po ang isang OFW po ay nananawagan sa Gobyerno na bigyang pansin ang masamang sitwasyon.. Malapit na po sumapit ang pasukan!
Ang Edukasyon po ang tanging pundasyon para po sa magandang kinabukasan ng kabataan. Nakaluhod po ako at nagmamakaawa sa inyo! PLEASE HELP US! Utang na loob, for God's sake.. PLEASE RESCUE MY FAMILY FROM HUNGER.....
Umaasa po ako sa pagtugon sa aking hinaing... PARANG AWA NA PO!! Attached existing file: I would like to request from your kindness some financial assistance which im having so difficulty of soliciting from others. I've been confined here in Dammam Central Jail, Saudi Arabia since August year 2000 and my resources has all turned their backs on me even my family, closest and considered friends which has helped me for the past years.
They cannot be blamed for they also have their own families to support of course... I decided to appeal to you as a Brother to facilitate my needs and at the same time to finance some of my families personal needs... Any substantial amount would really be a big help for me and my wife who is in really dire straits as of the moment...
Your kind help and utmost attention regarding this matter would really be highly appreciated... May Almighty God continue to bless you and your family...
Brotherly yours,
Rodelio 'Don2' and Meribeth Lanuza
Email: donlanuza@gmail.com
Mobile: +966551028601 and/or +966531181904
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