Statement on the Arrest of KGS-Migrante Leaders

Official Statement
17 August 2009

Statement on the Arrest of KGS-Migrante Leaders

Migrante Saudi Arabia expresses disappointment over the arrest of its leaders and members in Riyadh. While we respect the laws and legal processes of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we believe the arrest exposes the limitations of its rules concerning 'private gatherings', contact with 'absconders', and what constitutes prostitution.

We do not hope that the Saudi authorities would offer any reprieve soon for organized communities who deal with the exposed symptoms rather than the cause. That, we believe is reserved only for the government of Saudi Arabia to identify and cure.

It is unthinkable, however, for the organized communities such as KGS and Migrante not to provide assistance to compatriots in various distress situations because that would mean absconding to man's inherent humanity. Should we turn a blind eye to anybody calling for help? This incident only requires any concerned individual or group to be more discreet in its mission of providing help whenever and wherever its needed.

As an organization, Migrante KSA and its members normally provide absconders with food whenever needed, monitor their health and safety, usually document their grievances then ultimately refer them to the Philippine government representatives at the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah.

Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS-Migrante, or KGS/M) has been the foremost overseas Filipino organization since the 1980s, supporting democratic and national aspirations at the homefront while catering to the needs of compatriots-in-distress in the Kingdom. Even when it lost one of its key leaders to a deranged compatriot in 2000, the group never faltered in its mission. The recent arrest therefore, is only a small glitch in its commitment.

Migrante KSA also releases the following photo of former Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS-Migrante) Chairperson Mario Ben (left) and Mike Garlan, KGS/M Secretary-General (right). At the center is Bidang, KGS/M Committee on Rights and Welfare (CRAW) officer

The three were among the 18 Filipinos arrested on August 14 in Riyadh in what local media termed a 'mixed gathering.' The group was in fact documenting the cases of runaway OFWs before they are turned over to the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, part of Migrante's standard operating procedure in handling such cases.

KGS, is the local chapter of Migrante International in Riyadh.

Reference:
A.M. Ociones, Chairperson
Migrante KSA
(Migrante International - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Chapter)
Tel. No.: +966-56-679-3202
Email: migrante_ksa@yahoo.com
URL: http://migrante-ksa.blogspot.com

Helping OFWs is not a Crime

17 August 2009
For IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Helping our Fellow Kababayans Abroad is not a Crime!-Migrante

The largest alliance of Filipino migrants organizations today raised concern over the arrest of some of the officers and members of Migrante-Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS) by Saudi Arabian authorities on August 14. Migrante International also called on the Philippine government to do everything it can for the release of the remaining detainees, including the runaway OFWs Migrante-KGS was counseling.

“The defense and protection of the rights of migrant Filipinos have been sorely lacking that our officers and members in Saudi Arabia have been forced to risk their lives and their safety so they are able to help OFW victims of maltreatment and abuse in Saudi Arabia,” Garry Martinez, Migrante International chairperson, declared. “While we appreciate the efforts that embassy officials have made to work for the release of the detainees, we would like to call on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to ensure the release of all our officers and guarantee their safety.”

The KGS officers were arrested in a safehouse where the organization provided for OFW runaways. They were conducting their regular weekly case dialogs and counseling to OFW victims of maltreatment and abuses who ran away from their employers.

According to John Monterona, Migrante Middle East Coordinator, Migrante’s Saudi chapter has been receiving an average of five cases daily. The number of cases has significantly increased since the Philippine government intensified its labor export policy as its response to the global financial and economic crisis.

Martinez continued, “Our KGS chapter is a trailblazer in providing emergency assistance to OFWs in distress in Saudi Arabia. Since its inception, KGS has rescued or facilitated the rescue of thousands of our kababayans in Saudi Arabia. It has also been at the forefront of the campaign for the defense and protection of migrant areas in the region. Our officers and members deserve all the guarantees of protection and defense the Philippine government can offer.”

Migrante International together with its chapters abroad has its program in providing service through a very responsive move on the welfare needs of OFWs in distress. “If this kind of advocacy is a criminal act, who among our kababayans will give attention on the increasing numbers of distressed OFWs given the fact that the Philippine embassies are inutile most of the time in giving immediate action on the problems of OFWs?”, Martinez added.

Martinez called on the Philippine government to decisively address the problem of migrant rights violations in Saudi Arabia which are increasingly becoming more serious in number and in intensity.

“And to our kababayans, given the repressive situation we have, Migrante will not stop in giving attention on your issues to continuously promote the rights and welfare of OFWs”. “We must ensure our Filipino communities abroad to insist our rights to Philippine embassy officials to hear our clamors and demands”, Martinez ended.

On the other hand, Migrante Europe strongly condemns this assault on a sanctuary for Filipino migrants in distress. The assault by the Saudi authorities is another mockery of those whose rights have already been abused and violated. The Philippine government should strongly protest this assault.###

APMM on arrest of Migrante leaders

Press Statement
16 August 2009

For reference:
Aaron Ceradoy
Program Coordinator
Tel. No.: (852) 92706460

To escape from abuses is not a crime and those who help victims are not criminals
HK group expresses concern on arrest of Migrante leaders in KSA

The Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM) expresses our gravest concern on the arrest of several leaders and members of Migrante in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia together with OFWs in distress. They were taken after a raid on their safehouse last Friday where they were conducting their weekly case dialog and providing advices to OFWs who ran away from their abusive employers.

We maintain that escaping from an abusive situation is not a crime and those who offer helpful advises to them on what they can do should not also be treated as criminals. To do so condones maltreatment, exploitation and injustice to migrant workers.

According to reports that reached our HK office, members of the Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS), the Riyadh chapter of Migrante, just met with about five OFWs who ran away from their employers in order to advise them on the best courses of action they can take for their problems. However, the police swooped down into the place of their meeting and arrested everyone.

Criminalization of those who abscond and thereby become undocumented migrants is already an unjust policy. Such becomes even more unjust and unreasonable when even those whose only purpose is to offer assistance that they can give are also charged with criminal acts. When has it become a crime to advise others who are in need?

Migrante-KGS since its establishment has been known even by Philippine officials in KSA to be responsive to the welfare needs of OFWs in distress. This reputation of Migrante-KGS has made them one of the first groups to be approached by OFWs who experience various kinds of problems with their employment.

Many times in the past, the group was even the first one to know of instances of abuses and pointed them out to the Philippine Embassy there in order for them to respond accordingly.

During this period of crisis, we anticipate even harsher actions against runaways and undocumented migrants. The support mechanism that the Filipino migrant’s community provides to those who will encounter problems shall be even more crucial to ensure that the rights of migrants are promoted and justice can be had for those who have been abused.

Instead of criminalizing victims and those who help them, the roots causes why there are numerous migrants are forced to run away must be addressed.

We call on the Philippine Embassy in KSA to immediately act for the release of all the KGS leaders and members. It must ensure that no further prosecution will be done against them and any other organization which provides immediate assistance to distressed OFWs before they are turned over to the Philippine authorities.

*********************************************************************************
Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM)
Address: No.2 Jordan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
Tel. no.: (852) 2723-7536
Fax no.: (852) 2735-4559
General E-mail: apmm@hknet.com

Other Email Addresses:
Managing Director : director@apmigrants.org
Women's Program : women@apmigrants.org
Advocacy Program : advocacy@apmigrants.org
Research and Publication: publications@apmigrants.org

Note: Kindly cc the general email (apmm@hknet.com) for all email correspondence

WEBSITE: www.apmigrants.org

"We dream of a society where families are not broken up by the urgent need for survival.
We dream and will actively work for a homeland where there is opportunity for everyone to live a decent and humane life." *********************************************************************************

KGS raided

Press Release
16 August 2009

OFW group’s safe house for distress workers raided by Police;
Migrante-ME working for their release

Migrante-Middle East, an alliance of overseas Filipino workers’ organizations based in the Middle East today confirmed that one of its pioneering member-organization , the Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS) safe house was raided by the Saudi Police last Friday, 14th August, 2009.

“We confirm that the safe house of KGS, a member organization of Migrante, where distress and run away OFWs are temporarily seeking refuge was raided by the local police last Friday at about 3:00 p.m.,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-ME regional coordinator.

Monterona said KGS was conducting its regular weekly case dialogs and counseling to OFW victims of maltreatment and abuses who ran away from their employers.

Monterona said ten (10) of its officers and member, and 3 service workers have been sent to Bahdiya Police Station in Riyadh for investigation. While the (5) distress OFW women were brought to Malaz Jail.

“KGS Officers and members have been giving advises to run away and distress OFWs before they will be formally endorse to POLO-OWWA as part of its rights and welfare assistance program (RWAP),” Monterona added.

Monterona said KGS with a long running tradition of helping and providing assistance to abused and maltreated OFWs since its founding way back 1980 has members and officers committed to provide assistance to distress and run away OFWs that it can’t simply turn its back to abused and maltreated OFWs seeking its help despite restrictions imposed by the host country.

“KGS and Migrante chapters in the Middle East continuously extend assistance to abused and maltreated OFWs because we need to, because daily we have been receiving an average of 5 cases, because there is no protection on their well-being, rights and welfare; this is the call of the time –to provide help to the thousands of abused and maltreated OFWs,” Monterona added.

Monterona said one of its leaders had already been released yesterday evening as the group was able to prove to the apprehending Police that it is a legitimate OFW organization providing assistance to distress OFWs.

“We are closely coordinating with our Embassy Officials for the release of other KGS officers and members as well as those apprehended distress OFWs,” Monterona confirmed.

“We would like to make it clear that we fully understand the implications of “harboring absconders” that’s why we have made arrangement like having temporary safe houses for ran away and distress OFWs until we formally endorse them to POLO-OWWA for their appropriate action, because POLO-OWWA and our RP posts can’t attend these numerous cases, a reason for us to do our discrete share helping our fellow OFWs especially abused and maltreated who have run away from their employers,” Monterona explained.

Monterona said even POLO-OWWA offices maintain their own safe houses for distress and run away OFWs.

Monterona said it is high time for the RP government to pro-actively do its part and not to set aside the need to have a more comprehensive approach to rights and welfare cases involving abused and maltreated run away OFWs in agreement with the host government.

“Keeping in mind that distress and run away OFWs are victims here, not criminals,” Monterona ended.


Reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East regional coordinator
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012

Migrants group to Obama: What change?

29 July 2009
PRESS RELEASE

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

Migrants group to Obama: What change?

A global alliance of migrant Filipinos dubbed the Obama-Arroyo meeting as another raw deal- in- the -making that will guarantee continued assurance for the United State’s interest in the Philippines in exchange for President Arroyo’s way out from the wrath of the Filipino people.

“President Arroyo’s main agenda in meeting President Obama is how she will be assured of her safety from prosecution once her term ends in 2010. Such assurance could include the US nod to her plan to be prime minister through charter change after the election,” explains Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International.

Martinez expects that President Arroyo will in turn assure that US interest will continue to be its prime concern. The deal, Martinez alleged, will include not only the revisions in economic provision in the Constitution favoring foreign businesses but also of its continued support to the US War on Terror through the Visiting Forces Agreement and its Anti-Terrorism Law.

“President Obama has made change his mantra along with the calls for respecting human rights and abhorrence to despotic leaders. For him to shake hands with President Arroyo, who represents all that is opposite to his alleged principles, means only that much is at stake for the US. In this looming shady deal, only one thing is certain: the Filipino people who will once again be left in the losing end.” declared Martinez.

Migrante added that there is no way that President Obama can come out clean after the said meeting. The group suspects that President Arroyo has already prepared a spin on how she will politically benefit after the photo opportunity with President Obama.

“President Arroyo is a shrewd political opportunist. She will shamelessly capitalize on the said meeting as her shroud of protection and blessing for her diabolical plans. This is the very same reason why she made her SONA so vague on her political plans,” Martinez added.

Despite its avowed pessimism of the meeting, however, the group still stated their message to President Obama on his meeting with President Arroyo.

“The change we want is for the US domination in the Philippines to end so that we can finally chart our own future as a genuine sovereign nation. The change we want is for us to harvest the wealth of our nation and rebuild a society where families are not broken up by force migration. If President Obama is not ready to accept this kind of change, then the only change that will be revealed in the near future is the change on his true political color,” Martinez concluded. ###

Beheaded OFWs will haunt GMA

28 July 2009
PRESS RELEASE

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

After PGMA’s SONA:
Beheaded OFWs will haunt her – Migrante

The biggest global alliance of OFWs belied claims made by President Arroyo on her SONA saying her administration holds the record for unparalleled exploitation and abuse against overseas Filipinos including the most number of OFWs that were beheaded under its term.

“The daughter of Rey Cortez lost her sanity due to the trauma caused by the beheading of her father last July 13, 2007. The Arroyo administration has turned its back on helping Rey’s family to cope with the tragedy. If they heard the President’s SONA, we are pretty sure that instead of the 126 times of applause, the Batasang Pambansa would shudder at the thunder of angry voices of OFWs,” says Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International.

Martinez was reacting to the SONA of President Arroyo when she defended her frequent trips abroad by claiming that these trips were spent to visit and to listen to the problems of overseas Filipinos as well as to talk to the host governments of countries where they are working. She also claimed that she was looking for opportunities for the hundreds of thousands of Filipinos looking for jobs.

“Jenifer Beduya, Miguel Fernandez, Wilfredo Bautista, Antonio Alvesa, Sergio Aldana and Rey Cortez, the 6 OFWs who were beheaded under President Arroyo’s term, must have turned in their unmarked graves in Saudi Arabia when she said that the billions of pesos spent in her lavish trips were done in their name. The question now is how many more are going to be beheaded in her remaining trips abroad?” Martinez chided.

Martinez blames the appointment of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo as Presidential Adviser for OFWs in 2001 as a major reason why government failed in saving OFWs from death row. The group asserted that it was during Mike Arroyo’s stint that the government applied a new tact in dealing with OFWs facing capital punishments.

“Upon Mike Arroyo’s appointment, the government adopted a policy of raising funds for blood money from the business sector instead of providing appropriate legal assistance to OFWs in death row. Paying blood money is tantamount to admitting a crime that relinquishes the innocence of the suspected OFW who was not even adequately defended in the legal process. This has become the signature of the Arroyo administration in its mishandling of OFW cases up to the present,” added Martinez.

Migrante even reminded the President that three (3) of her fellow Capampangans are right now awaiting their execution in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The said OFWs are Edison and Rolando Gonzales and Eduardo Arcilla who were sentenced to die by beheading by the Saudi courts for murder.

“The Gonzales brothers and Arcilla were tortured by the Saudi authorities to admit to crimes they have not committed. Up to now, the President continues to ignore the issue of torture perpetrated against the said OFWs. A brazen proof that what she said in her SONA are all self-serving lies,” exclaimed Martinez

Migrante likewise claims that the plight of OFWs under the 9 year term of the Arroyo administration has become worse especially the situation of migrant women.

“We found it ironic that at the same time President Arroyo was boasting of her efforts to protect the welfare of OFWs during her SONA, Philippine Labor Attaché Josephus Jimenez was reporting that about 5 to 10 Filipina maids flee from their abusive employers in Kuwait daily. We challenge other embassy officials to belie the claims made by the President during her SONA and expose the real condition of OFWs under her term,” Martinez dared.

Recently, Migrante revealed that cases of violence against migrant women have been increasing. An alarming trend of Filipina maids being abused in groups were also noted.

The group criticized the 9 year term of President Arroyo as a corrupt ridden administration that utilized OFW welfare funds for its own interest specifically during the 2004 presidential election.

“The only legacy that will be left by President Arroyo to OFWs is its shameless pilfering of OFW funds that were used to commit electoral fraud in the 2004 presidential elections instead of utilizing it to give assistance to distressed OFWs. Php530 million of the OWWA funds were transferred to Philhealth upon the prodding of then Philhealth President Francisco Duque. The said fund was later used to distribute free Philhealth cards during her campaign trail. This was done at the same time when hundreds of thousands of OFW contributors were disenfranchised from their benefits upon the imposition of OWWA Omnibus Policies in 2003,” Martinez concluded.###

OFW groups denounce martial rule

Press Release
16 June 2009

OFW groups denounce Machiavellian conspiracy to justify imposition of martial rule;
“Not even a single OFW OK’d “con-ass”, cha-cha, and Arroyo’s reign beyond her term”

OFWs organizations in the Middle East headed by the Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS), a pioneering member-organization of Migrante International along with Migrante-KSA chapters in Al Khobar and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and other OFWs organizations will be having a press conference tomorrow to formally announce the formation of OFWs broad alliance against ‘con-ass”, Charter change and Mrs. Arroyo’s reign beyond her term and denounce the Machiavellian conspiracy of the Arroyo administration to justify the imposition of martial rule in the Philippines.

“OFWs in Saudi Arabia and in the Middle East are united in their opposition against “con-ass” and Charter change; tomorrow we will formally launch OFW organizations’ alliance and will denounce the Machiavellian conspiracy as a desperate move by Macapagal-Arroyo clique to put the country under state of martial law and perpetuate in power under the wishes of its US imperialist masters,” said Eric Jocson, KGS Chairperson.

Jocson said the formation of a OFWs broad alliance is a milestone for migrant workers movement in a place where freedom to express political views and beliefs are restricted.

“But the prevailing situations where we are is not a hindrance to express our collective opposition against a despotic, anti-people and anti-OFWs, and a puppet Arroyo regime who surrendered our national independence and much willing to sell our nation’s wealth and patrimony in favor of her US imperialist masters,” Jocson added.

Migrante chapters in the Middle East is also readying to join the “No Remittance” day as legitimate and fair protest action against the betrayal of our people’s trust by Mrs. Arroyo and her allies in Congress in their vain attempt to effect changes in the Constitution to serve their selfish interests to remain in power and sell out of our nation’s wealth and patrimony.

John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-ME regional coordinator said aside from urging the families and relatives of OFWs back home to join protests actions scheduled on the 27th July, OFWs have already expressed their support to the “No remittance” day on the 27th of July if Arroyo-dominated Congress will convene “con-ass”.

“Our planned “No Remittance” Day campaign is a legitimate political act of OFWs and their families not just against “con-ass” being desperately pushed by the Arroyo administration and its Machiavellian plot to justify imposition of martial law but also manifests our strong condemnation against the gross negligence committed by the most-anti OFW Arroyo administration,” Monterona added.

“We have a government under the Arroyo administration that is neglectful and have long been committing economic plunder of our nation, and at the expense of the millions of OFWs’ sweat and blood who were forced to work abroad due to its failure to create jobs locally with decent wage and benefits due to our workers,” Monterona averred.

Monterona reiterates in no way OFWs could be accused of being economic saboteurs by acting collectively not to remit even in just a single day if pro-administration Congressmen convene its “con-ass” to effecting changes in the Constitution that betrays our people’s trust.

“The Arroyo administration and its minions are the real economic saboteur as we have seen unto the numerous alleged cases of graft and corruptions and anomalous deals involving the administration,” Monterona added.

“OFWs and their families have enough reasons to completely withdraw their trust and confidence to the anti-people, anti-OFWs and most distrusted Arroyo administration,” Monterona ended. # #

OFWs also preparing for SONA

18 July2009
PRESS RELEASE:

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

Zero-Remittance Day set:
OFWs also preparing for SONA

“Zero Remittance on the First day of Con-Ass: this is our clarion call to all and sundry who would try to subvert further the last modicum of democracy in our country.”

This was the reiteration of Migrante International’s resolution in a press conference held at the Cypress Café today. A little over a week before the last State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo (PGMA), the largest alliance of Filipino migrant organizations also unveiled the plans of its chapters across the globe to “register their protest actions against the convening of a constitutional assembly (con-ass) by Congress or any dastardly scheme to extend the term of PGMA, through a con-ass, emergency rule or coup.”

“To many OFWs, PGMA is the epitome of everything we distrust and hate about government: pabaya, mukhang pera, sinungaling at mandaraya!” declared Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International. “Thus, we want to be absolutely clear that this SONA will truly be her last.”

“More and more OFWs and their families want to ‘stand and be counted’ as they realize the importance of their economic and political role in Philippine society,” continued Martinez, “and they are increasingly realizing how they can, indeed, send a strong message to the government.”

Vanessa Valmadrid, the wife of an ofw in Taiwan, present at the press conference, also declared: “My husband will support this Zero Remittance day call of Migrante. I told him that my daughter and I understand that no remittance for a day is nothing compared to all the hardships we endured as OFWs. Para sa aming OFWs, ang kapabayaan ng gobiyernong ito ay mas kasuklam-suklam kaysa sa mga dinaranas na pangaapi naming sa kamay ng mga dayuhan. Mas masakit malaman na pagkatapos kang pagkakitaan ng husto ng gobiyerno, parang trapo ka lang na ihahagis kung wala na silang perang makukuha sa iyo.”

Valmadrid, a worker in Taiwan retrenched last December, is still waiting for the government to resolve cases she filed against her recruitment agency continued, “Ngayon ko nakikita ang kahalagahan ng pagkilos ng mga OFWs!”

“Kasama kaming migranteng Pilipino sa nagmamartsang sambayanan laban sa Con-Ass!” added Martinez. He cited the growing strength and growing awareness of organized OFWs and their families as he enumerated their various protest activities building up to the SONA as they heed the call for a Countdown to the SONA starting July 20.

“For the first time in history, a synchronized Black Friday protest on July 24 will simultaneously be held by our Middle East chapters in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Meanwhile, a thousand strong kababayans in Hongkong under the banner of UNIFIL will be marching on the streets on the 26th, simultaneous with our kababayans in South Korea.

Halfway across the globe, our kababayans in Canada are also gearing up for a simultaneous action in all key areas of Canada. Our counterparts in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom have signified their intention to join the Zero Remit campaign while Migrante Australia will be holding a protest action at the Philippine Consulate in Sydney on July 27.”

“Sa ilalim ng pamahalaang US-Arroyo, lalong lumala ang kalagayan naming OFWs. This government is so greedy and so desperate to stay in power that it is selling our kababayans like slaves: available to anyone for the right price. PGMA does not care if OFWs are in countries that are at war, or blatantly violate international labor standards, or have had thousands of cases of violence against women! declared Garry Martinez, chairperson of the largest alliance of Filipino migrant organizations across the globe. “PGMA’s only interest in us is for us to bring home the bacon, so to speak—through exorbitant state exactions and remittances to keep the economy afloat.”

Migrante International and its chapters in the country will also be conducting protest actions and will be joining all chapters around the world for a synchronized protest on the eve of the SONA. ###

-- http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/migranteinternational

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. ####

Hold remittances against Con-Ass

8 July 2009
PRESS RELEASE

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

Migrante points bombing to Malacanang
Petition to hold remittances against Con-Ass launched

In their kick off activity at the seamen’s lurk along Kalaw to launch a petition signing campaign against term extension, calling for a Zero-Remittance Day once the constituent assembly (Con-Ass) convenes, Migrante International warned the people that President Gloria Arroyo is desperate to cling into power and is capable of resorting to other measures, including a scenario that is similar to the months preceding martial law.

The group was referring to the series of bombings and bomb threats that have hit the country, particularly in Mindanao that have killed many innocent civilians.

“It is only the Arroyo administration who will benefit most if these bombings will lead to a state of emergency. We call on the people to be vigilant and continue to demonstrate that they will not let President Arroyo getaway with her crime against the people by extending her term either through con-ass or through a palace coup,” said Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International.

The group pointed out that Malacanang could easily blame the bombing and other looming destabilization incidences to the opposition and other militant groups, as it has done in the past, to justify what is called a staged coup de etat that will perpetuate President Arroyo into power indefinitely.

“We will try to reach the biggest number of OFWs and their families here in the country to suspend sending their remittances for a day; that is, on the first day of Con-Ass once it convenes. At the same time, our chapters abroad are also getting ready to raise their opposition to any scenario that will prolong President Arroyo’s term in Malacanang,” adds Martinez

Migrante plans to put up other petition signing activities in places where OFWs are concentrated. The group also announced that they will compile all the signatures and submit them in congress during the State-of-the-Nation-Address of President Gloria Arroyo this coming July 27, 2009. #####

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http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/migranteinternational