OFW group welcomes PH envoy recall from post

Press Statement

30 August 2011

Migrante-Middle East brief reaction on the reported recall of PH ambassador to Syria Wilfredo Cuyugan by the DFA as sanctioned by Malacanang

Migrante-Middle East came to know that Philippine Ambassador to Syria Wilfredo Cuyugan has been notified by the Department of Foreign Affairs to leave his post as he is recalled from his post.

It is our view that Amb. Cuyugan must be recalled due to his failure to read the actual peace and order situation in Syria in which he kept on saying publicly ‘nothing to worry and alarm’ as the situation in Syria is not that worst contradicting reports we have been receiving from trapped OFWs who have been seeking to be evacuated and repatriated.

Amb. Cuyugan even dilly-dallied and acted too late on the repatriation of about 60 distress OFWs then temporarily seeking refuge at the Filipino Workers Resource Center (FWRC) since June 2010 or at the start of the upheaval in Syria in which we have exposed and pressed him hard. Thus, he’s more of a liability to the DFA rather than pro-actively providing assistance to trapped OFWs who plead to be evacuated and repatriated without further delay.

We welcome his recall from the post, while we continue to urge the DFA to clean its rank from inept and incompetent envoy especially here in the Middle East as the Arab Spring continues.

We need pro-active and ‘action-man’ envoy as what Sec. del Rosario and Usec Seguis have recently exemplified leading the actual evacuation of trapped OFWs in Libya.

DFA could still improve its evacuation and repatriation efforts.

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle  East regional coordinator

Mobile No.00966535921228

Overstaying Filipinos have until Sept.14 to avail Saudi amnesty

Press Release

29 August 2011

                                                        

Filipinos who have overstayed after performing ‘Umrah’, a form of pilgrimage, are given until September 14 to leave Saudi Arabia, the largest Islamic state in the Middle East and where the Two Holy Mosques are located, without being penalized, according to a Filipino migrants right group.

Migrante-Middle East (M-ME) regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona recalls on April 27, 2011, Saudi’s Ministry of Interior announced that a Royal amnesty was granted to expatriates who have violated residency rules and overstayed their ‘umrah’ visas last September 22, 2010 for a period of six months, or up to 23 March 2011. This has been extended up to September 14, 2011.

“Filipinos who have overstayed after performing ‘Umrah’ have barely 15 days to avail the Royal pardon. They could leave Saudi Arabia without any corresponding penalty, monetary and weeks of detention at the deportation center ‘til September 14,” Monterona added.

Monterona said overstaying Filipinos could directly proceed to any Saudi international airports and will only be required by Saudi immigration authorities to present his or her passport along with the expired ‘umrah’ visa and airplane ticket.

“This simple procedure was confirmed to me by PH embassy official when I asked him about this matter as there are a number of overstaying Filipinos asking our assistance,” Monterona revealed.

Monterona said a fine of 10,000 Saudi rials (roughly equivalent to P112,000) is imposed plus weeks of detention at the deportation center, to overstayers who will be apprehended by the local immigration authorities. “If the overstaying Filipino does not have the money to settle the fine imposed, then it would mean longer stay at the deportation center,” the Saudi-based OFW leader added.

Citing reports from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), a PH government agency under the Office of the President, there were 700 Filipino pilgrims who went to Saudi Arabia to perform ‘Umrah’ last year. All were holder of so called ‘Umrah’ visas with 6-month validity.

“We came to know that less than a hundred of them did not leave Saudi Arabia after performing ‘Umrah’, as they were tempted to look for jobs in the Kingdom,” Monterona added.

As per the NCMF, there are 719 pilgrims who have registered for this year’s Umrah.

Undocumented OFWs, absconders excluded

As there are absconders and undocumented OFWs asking about the coverage of the royal pardon, Monterona said they are not covered by the Royal pardon announced sometime on April.

Due to conflicting reports in various local newspapers on the coverage of the Royal pardon, Monterona recalls that the PH embassy sent a Note verbal on May 2, 2011 to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SMFA) seeking clarification on who are covered by the royal pardon specifically if it includes undocumented and those who have absconded from their legal employment.

“I have followed this matter to the PH embassy if the SMFA have replied to the clarification, but an embassy official confirmed that they did not received a reply from the SMFA and is not anymore expecting it,” Monterona added.

Monterona, however, said looking back on the previous amnesty for overstayers granted by the host government, it only cover ‘overstayers who came to the Kingdom on Hajj, Umrah, or Visit Visas, whose visas were already expired.’

Monterona said his group recent estimate as per combined reports from Migrante local chapters in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Dammam, Al-Baha, Hail and Buraydah, and Tabouk, the numbers of undocumented OFWs in Saudi Arabia ranges from 3,600 to 4,000 at the maximum.

“By this time, the estimated figure would have been increased by five percent to 8% as we have been receiving reports of OFWs running away from their employers for reasons of abuses and labor malpractices,” Monterona added.

Monterona said the PH embassy must work for the legalization or ask for the granting of general amnesty for all undocumented OFWs through diplomatic course of action with the host government.

Saudi Arabia remains to be the top destination of OFWs since 2000 with estimated 1.2-M deployed OFWs mostly household service workers, construction workers, and those working at the service sectors, engineers and medical-related services.

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

‘Don’t give ‘false assurances’ to OFWs in Afghanistan and Iraq’

Press Release

28 August 2011

Thus, said today by a Filipino migrants rights group in the Middle East as a reaction on the assurances given by Malacanang to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) working in US-military bases and facilities in Afghanistan and Iraq.

An estimated 5,000 OFWs working for various multi-nationals contractors at US bases and facilities’ in Afghanistan recently conveyed their appeal to the Aquino administration to urge the US government to reconsider the latter’s military Central Command decision ordering all its contractors to stop hiring workers from third world countries where its domestic laws prohibits the deployment of its own workers especially to strife-torn countries like Afghanistan and Iraq.

As per reports, on August 22, 2011 a directive from the NATO base commander Brigadier General Kaido Saartniit, in-charge of base protection, declared that all badges or IDs of Filipino nationals will have an expiration date of December 31, 2011.

“In effect, our fellow OFWs feared that it will be the end of their employment and will eventually be sent home jobless,” said Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona.

Monterona said the Philippines has standing deployment ban of OFWs in Afghanistan and Iraq, and in countries recently beset with political upheaval such as Libya and Syria.

“Many OFWs have managed to slip away from the deployment ban and were deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan courtesy of recruitment agencies supplying labors to multi-nationals contractors using Kuwait and other neighboring countries as an entry point,” Monterona revealed.

“They were forced to find jobs even in strife-torn countries as there are no available jobs in the Philippines while there are foreign contractors offering high salaries and enticing good employment package our OFWs could only see in their dreams,” Monterona noted.

Monterona said OFWs who were ‘lured’ to work even in strife-torn countries like Afghanistan and Iraq were actually victims of illegal recruitment and human smuggling.

Monterona, said technically speaking, the OFWs working now in Afghanistan and Iraq are considered victim of human smuggling.

“Despite the imposition of deployment ban, some recruitment agencies managed to deploy OFWs in cahoots with some corrupt officials in the government” he claimed.

“The presence of OFWs in Afghanistan and Iraq is also a proof of the PH govt. failure to combat illegal recruitment and human smuggling rampant in the labor export industry,” Monterona added.

Monterona added rampant illegal recruitment and human smuggling renders the PH govt. inutile that continues under the Aquino administration.

“So, it still poses a big question how the Aquino administration could provide protection to OFWs in strife-torn countries and at the same time is giving ‘false’ assurance to OFWs in Afghanistan and Iraq that they will not be sent home amid decision by the US military Central Command where in fact it could not even solve illegal recruitment and human smuggling?” Monterona asked.

“As usual, the Aquino administration is being duplicitous on this issue -it is giving false assurance to OFWs in Afghanistan and Iraq but it could not even solve the rampant illegal recruitment and human smuggling of OFWs in Afghanistan and Iraq,” Monterona ended. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

Qatar OFWs unite to formally establish migrant rights’ group chapter

Press Release

28 August 2011

A chapter of the most active and progressive overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) group will soon be formally established in another oil-rich country in the Middle East, according to its spokesman and regional coordinator.

Migrante-Middle East (M-ME) Saudi-based regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona today said his fellow OFWs in Doha, Qatar are ‘eager to have a chapter of Migrante formally founded and that it will come to materialize days from now.’

“After months of meetings and consultations, our fellow OFWs in Qatar came to realize the need for them to be organized and all together face up their issues, concerns, and challenges confronting them as migrant workers,” said Monterona.

By August 30, some 50 Qatar-based OFWs are expected to gather to formally launch the founding of the Samahan ng Migranteng Mangagawa sa Qatar (SAMMAQA).

On the invitation sent to Monterona by Ms. Sonia Miralles, SAMMAQA acting chairperson, the group’s founding assembly will be held at a place near Souq Bus Station in Doha, Qatar’s capital, which will commence 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon.

The group’s founding assembly will banner the theme “Mithin namin ang isang lipunan na kung saan ang bawat pamilya ay hindi na kailangan magkawalay dahil sa pangangailangan mabuhay.”

“The group will also initiate the soft launching of ‘Sagip Migrante’, an alliance of various OFWs groups providing assistance to abused and distressed OFWs,” said Ms. Mirrales.

Monterona said organizing OFWs is the most effective form of empowering the marginalized sector often called as ‘Bagong Bayani’ due to its huge contribution to the Philippine economy sending billion-of-dollar remittances yearly and yet government welfare programs and services to OFWs and their dependents, protection of their rights and well-being while working abroad are still wanting.

“The deplorable plight of our OFWs especially construction workers, household service workers including domestic workers and other semi-skilled workers who form part 60% of the estimated eight to 10-M OFWs deployed around the world underscores the need for OFWs to be organized and became agents of social transformation,” Monterona averred.

Monterona said SAMMAQA leaders asked him to lead their officers and members’ oath-taking and read Migrante’s Pahayag ng Paninindigan via Skype conference.

“SAMMAQA leaders expressed the group’s willingness to be a member of Migrante International, the global alliance of progressive OFWs organizations. I will work and recommend their membership to Migrante International as we will be working hand-in-hand for OFWs rights and welfare,” Monterona concluded. # # #

References:

Sonia Miralles

Acting Chairperson, Samahan ng Migranteng Mangagawa sa Qatar (SAMMAQA)

Mobile No. 0097430737167

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No.00966535921228

‘Bigyan ng leksyon ang Embahada sa pagkakamali sa iniuwing bangkay ng OFW’

Press Release

27 August 2011

Giit eto nang grupong Migrante-Middle East (M-ME) sa Malacanang kaugnay sa pagkakamali sa iniuwing bangkay ng OFW mula sa Saudi Arabia matapos masabugan ng acetylene tank sa workshop na pinagta-trabahuan ng huli.

“Hindi sapat ang iutos lamang ng Malacnaang na ayusin ng DoLE ang pagkakamaling eto na nagdulot na malaking abala, disrespeto at insensitibo sa nararamdaman ng pamilya ng OFW sa pagpanaw ng kanilang mahal sa buhay. Dapat may panagutin at mabigyan ng leksyon ang mga opisyal ng embahada sa Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,” sabi ni M-ME regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona.

Syempre pa, sabi ni Monterona, dapat talagang itama ang malaking pagkakamaling eto.

“Hindi lang eto ang unang beses na may pagkakamali ng nai-uwing bangkay sa pamilya ng OFW. Kung ating matatandaan, may mga kahalintulad nang pangyayari kaming natatangap nuong nakaraang taon,” ani pa ni Monterona.

Hindi umano katanggap-tanggap ang paulit-ulit na pagkakamali, dagdag ni Monterona.

“Merong nakatalagang opisyal ng embahada sa repatriation ng remains ng mga nasawing OFWs. Di marapat na iasa lamang sa employer or kompanya ng OFW ang repatriation. Ang embahada dapat ang nagtitiyak na tama ang bangkay at mga gamit ng namatay na OFW ang maipapadala sa pamilya sa Pilipinas,” giit ni Monterona.

Ani ni Monterona, mas malaking kabulastugan di umano ang pagkakamali kung ang labi ng OFW ay sya ring naipadala sa Turkey, imbes na sa Pilipinas dahil nga nagkaroon ng ‘swapping’ na di naman talaga sinasadya at naiwasan sana kung masusing nakapag-supervise ang opisyal ng embahada ng Pilipinas sa repatriation ng labi ng OFW.

“Tumagal na nga nang almost 3 months bago na-iuwi ang bangkay, sa pagkakamaling eto baka abutin pa ng 3 or 6 na buwan lalo na’t kung nasa Turkey nga ang bangkay ng OFW,” dagdag ni Monterona.

“Mainam na maturuan ng leksyon ang embahada ng Pilipinas sa Saudi Arabia at maparusahan ang siumang responsible sa pagkakamaling eto,” pagtatapos ni Monterona. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No.00966535921228

So far, no OFWs arrested in violation of Ramadan rules –OFW group

Press Release

27 August 2011

  

The Holy month of Ramadan is expected to end either August 29 or 30 depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon which would mean the culmination of fasting and the start of Eid Al-Fitr, but so far, there is no overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have been reported arrested due to violation of Ramadan rules, according to a Filipino migrant rights group providing assistance to distressed, abused, and jailed OFWs.

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said: “Two or 3 days to go before end of Ramadan, so far we have not received reports of an OFW arrested due to violations of Ramadan prohibitions here in the Middle East.”

At the starts of Ramadan on August 1, the group urged their fellow OFWs in the Middle East to strictly observe and abide the prohibitions impose by the Islamic host countries so as to avoid being caught and penalize.

During Ramadan, it is strictly prohibited to smoke, refrain from lust, violence, greed, envy, angry or sarcastic retorts and gossiping, and even making noise. Even expatriate workers who are non-Muslim are expected to observe these prohibitions.

“Violation of Ramadan rules is considered petty crime, thus with a corresponding penalty of imprisonment of six months to 1 year and a number of lashes,” Monterona added.

Monterona pointed out that in 2009, as per Migrante-ME records, there were around 20 OFWs apprehended, while about 35 last year nabbed for violations on the prohibitions during Ramadan.

Though there are no OFWs apprehended so far in violation of Ramadan rules, Monterona however said he received a report that there was an OFW nabbed in a drug-related case in Riyadh. “We are coordinating with embassy officials about this case as the family of the OFW sought assistance from us,” he added.

“Although, there may be no OFWs nabbed for violation of Ramadan rules, we however continue to received request for assistance from OFW-domestic workers complaining about the difficulty of their works,” said Monterona.

Monterona said during Ramadan, maids are required to do household and other chores starting early in the morning until late at night.

“Thus, it’s no surprise that during Ramadan, the number of runaway OFW-DH goes up. They run away because they can no longer bear the treatment they’re getting from their employers who required them to work extra time and more chores during Ramadan,” Monterona noted.

Monterona cited for instance the case of a Riyadh-based OFW-DH complaining that her hands are now swollen due to immense exposure to water and dishwashing soap. “She already asked her employer to give her rest but the latter insisted to continue her household chores. We have urged our labor officials to arrange to talk with her employer and be considerate for our OFW,” Monterona added.

“We are expecting that no OFWs will be nabbed due to violation of Ramadan rules in two or 3 days until end of Ramadan. It’s a good sign that our fellow OFWs are becoming socially conscious on the prohibitions by the host governments not only during Ramadan but all the time,” Monterona added.

“To our Muslim OFW brothers and sisters here in the Middle East and in the Philippines, Ramadan Mubarak!.”

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

Wrong remains sent to the family of OFW in the Philippines

Press Release

24 August 2011

Migrante-Middle East (M-ME), a Filipino migrants rights group, today deplores the Philippine embassy in Riyadh of being remiss of its duty assisting the family in the repatriation of an OFW's remains who died in Saudi Arabia last June 2011.

M-ME John Leonard Monterona said the PH embassy confirms on a statement dated August 24 that 'the remains that were shipped to the family of the late OFW Danniely T. Ubengen were not his.'

OFW Ubengen, along other 3 fellow co-workers, died due to explosion of acetylene tank at their work shop.


The remains of Turkish co-worker instead was sent to the OFW family in the Philippines.

Stunned and surprised when the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) informed of the mistake, the PH embassy said it is investigating the circumstances surrounding this matter.

Monterona said he agree with the PH embassy in saying that the repatriation of remains of OFW is an obligation of the employer-sponsor of the OFW.

"All the formalities related to the repatriation of OFW's remains is an employer's obligation. There is no question about it," Monterona added.

However, Monterona said the PH embassy has its own share of blame at is also a party to the mistake committed. 

"The PH embassy has a designated official in-charge in the repatriation of OFWs remains. If it failed to supervise or arrange to assist the employer in the repatriation of OFW's remains, then this mistake -repatriating wrong remains to the bereaved family of the OFW will happen again and again," Monterona added.

Monterona said this is a grave mistake committed against the family and relatives of OFW Ubengen who are grieving due to the loss of their loved one. 

"An apology to the Ubengen family by the employer and the PH embassy is not even enough. The PH embassy must impose disciplinary action to its official in-charge in the repatriation of remains," Monterona ended. # # # 

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

“Wait and see” stance of the Aquino govt. contradicts Migrant workers law, a disservice to OFWs pleading for repatriation –group

Press Release

24 August 2011

Migrante-Middle East, a Filipino migrants rights group providing assistance to distress overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East, today lambasted the Aquino government who have adopted a ‘wait and see’ stance on the evacuation and repatriation of OFWs trapped in strife-torn countries in the Middle East.

M-ME regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said: “We strongly deplore the Aquino govt. in its ‘wait and see’ stance and of being unprepared in the evacuation and repatriation of trapped OFWs in Libya and Syria, which current situations require decisive action from the government.”

Monterona said the situation in Libya and Syria must be treated an emergency situation by the Aquino government and yet it’s just contented to ‘wait and see’ the unfolding of events even if the lives of our OFWs are in great danger.

Monterona cited Section 5, Rule XIII of the Omnibus rules and regulations of the Migrant Workers Act or RA10022 “Emergency Repatriation” which states that in cases of war, epidemic, disasters or calamities, natural or man-made or other similar events, the OWWA, in coordination with the DFA, must undertake the repatriation of OFWs.

“The ‘wait and see’ stance of the Aquino govt. is contradictory to the mandate of the Migrant workers law in regards to emergency repatriation of OFWs in cases of war, etc… which it is mandated to implement or execute,” Monterona added.

Monterona cited for instance those around 140 OFWs in Syria who have signified their intention to be repatriated. “Until now the OFWs are still awaiting their repatriation,” Monterona added.

“Worst because what we are hearing is only pronouncement that the PH diplomatic post is still negotiating with employers for exit clearance so that the OFWs could eventually be repatriated. It seems that the government is making this as an excuse where in fact it could directly talk with the Syrian govt. to wave its immigration requirement like the issuance of exit clearance so that our trapped OFWs could be repatriated without further delay,” Monterona averred.

Monterona said the same could be done in Libya. “The PH diplomatic post and the Rapid Response Team (RRT) should immediately talk with the National Transition Council (NTC) of Libya to give our OFWs a secure passage going out of Libya.”

“The Aquino govt. ‘wait and see’ stance spells disservice to OFWs and is unacceptable,” Monterona ended. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Me regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

Syria OFWs renew plea for repatriation only to be told to ‘stay put’

Press Release

22 August 2011

Receiving calls from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in strife-torn Syria, a Migrante-Middle East (M-ME) official today said he had just spoken with three OFWs who are pleading for assistance as they signify their intention to be repatriated among other 35 OFWs.

John Leonard Monterona, M-ME regional coordinator confirmed that he had spoken today at around 2:20pm, Saudi time, to OFWs Thelma Inoselyas, Rowena Ugay, and Judith Pingol, who works as domestic worker in Homs, Syria.

Homs is in the northwest part of Syria where there had been heavy fighting between anti-government protesters and Syrian military forces. Homs is about 140 kilometers from Damascus where the PH diplomatic post is located.

Asked on the present situation in Homs, OFW Thelma informed Monterona that she could still hear almost every day from morning to evening heavy firing and sustained gun shots in the vicinity of her employer’s house.

“Nasa loob naman po kami, kaya lang palagi pa din ang putukan sa labas mula umaga hanggang gabi,” OFW Thelma told Monterona.

While on her part, OFW Rowena Ugay, also a domestic worker based in Homs, told Monterona that she called on the PH embassy the other day to renew her plea for assistance as she wants to be repatriated, only to be told by an embassy official to ‘stay put’.

“Sabi nila pumunta na lang kami sa embassy na nasa Damascus, pero wala naman sa amin ang passport namin at delikado baka hulihin kami at madaming check point,” OFW Rowena narrated to Monterona.

Monterona said OFW Rowena added that she already told her employer to let her go home but her employer said her passport is at the local agency in Damascus and that it cannot now arrange to get her an exit clearance due to the worsening peace and order situation in Homs.

“Sir, gusto na talaga naming umuwi pero wala naman tumutulong sa amin dito,” declared OFW Rowena.

Monterona said during his conversation with the 3 OFWs, it was known that there are 35 of them who have already conveyed their intention to be repatriated but they are still awaiting the PH embassy’s assistance.

“The heavy fighting between the two camps –the anti-government protesters and Syrian forces - is posing a constraint on the part of the PH embassy evacuation team to reach out the trapped OFWs,” Monterona averred.

Monterona said the local agencies of the documented OFWs estimated to reach around 1,500 to 1,800 could be tapped by the PH post for relocating the OFWs to a safer place and eventually be repatriated.

“The PH embassy should get the active support from the DoLE-POLO-POEA officials to require the deploying agencies in the Philippines and urge the assistance of its local counter-part agencies in Syria that are holding the passport of the trapped OFWs,” Monterona suggested.

Monterona said the PH diplomatic post could even try asking the Syrian government to wave its immigration requirement for exiting OFWs.

“The bottom line is if the PH post have prepared for the worst scenario to happen, then it should have done early preparations such as mapping the locations of OFWs with the help of the local agencies and Syrian authorities and identify rallying points in every place,” Monterona concluded.

There are around 18,000 to 20,000 OFWs including undocumented in Syria.

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-ME regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

OFW group urges its members', OFWs' dependents and relatives to donate blood for dengue victims

Press Release

23 August 2011

A Filipino migrants’ rights group in the Middle East with chapters in Gulf Cooperating Council (GCC) countries today urges their families and relatives in the Philippines to donate blood for dengue victims in Metro Manila and other provinces where dengue outbreak is prevalent.

Citing reports that there are children of OFWs in the Philippines who have been infected with dengue, Migrante-Middlle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said OFWs’ families and relatives could help not only in raising the awareness of OFWs’ families and their children how to prevent dengue outbreak but also “OFWs families could save the lives of those who have already been infected with dengue by donating blood.”

As per the Department of Health data, there were already 40,000 dengue cases it recorded nation-wide from January to July this year. Around 9,000 of the patients are from Metro Manila, while those in the provinces shares also a considerable numbers of dengue victims.

Monterona said there are four mid-east based OFWs who have called him in separate instances seeking assistance for blood donation as their individual child was infected with dengue.

Monterona said two of the OFW’s children are from Bulacan province, while the others in Metro Manila.

Other provinces under dengue outbreak include Western Samar, Davao del Sur, Cagayan, Mariduque, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Nueva Viscaya, Isabela, Iloilo, Capiz, Bacolod, Leyte, Samar, and Davao del Norte.

Monterona noted that in these provinces, where dengue outbreak was declared, many of the OFWs came from.

 “As a reply to the request by the OFWs whose children have been infected with dengue and to help other dengue victims, too, we are urging our fellow OFWs to convince their families and relatives in the Philippines to donate blood and proceeds to the nearest Philippine National Red Cross office,” Monterona added.

Monterona said the high incidence of dengue cases recorded yearly underscores the need to have bigger budget allocation for government’s health services.

“The indigent dengue victims of poor Filipinos and OFWs must be given utmost concern and priority by the health department by shouldering the medicines and other medical related expenses,” Monterona concluded. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

Group urges PH govt. to set up information desk in various OFWs host country airports destination

Press Release

22 August 2011

A Filipino migrants’ rights group providing assistance to distress overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) today urges the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, a government agency adjunct to the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to consider setting up of information desk in various OFWs host country airports destination.

On his letter to POEA administrator Carlos Cao, Jr. dated August 22, 2011, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said the establishment of an information desk at the international airports of the country of destination would be a big help to newly arrived new hired OFWs.

Monterona said he and his group has been receiving several calls asking for assistance from arriving new hired overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia.

“On several occasions, new hired OFWs sought assistance from us as their employer or its company representatives did not arrived to pick them from the airport and bring them to their designated company staff house or accommodation,” Monterona added.

He cited as an example on August 20, a newly hired OFW nurse arrived on the evening at around 7:00pm.

“The OFW waited until the following day but no employer or its staff has picked her from the airport. She had stayed for more than 24 hours waiting and hoping that her employer will pick her up from the arrival area of King Khalid International airport in Riyadh,” he added.

This prompted Monterona to call Riyadh-based Labor Attache Albert Valenciano and requested him to arrange from his office to pick the newly hired OFW and temporarily put her under its care at the Bahay Kalinga in Riyadh.

“On the same day I alerted our Migrante International-Rights and Welfare committee staff in Manila to get in touch with her agency and informed them about the matter. We have urged the agency to coordinate with the employer in Riyadh so that it could pick the OFW and brought to their custody to report for work,” Monterona added.

“As of today, August 22, the OFW is still at the Bahay Kalinga, though POLO officials are coordinating with her employer,” Monterona said on his letter to POEA’s Cao.

Monterona urged POEA to arrange to interface to the host govt. concerned authorities, with the assistance of the concerned PH diplomatic post or of the Department of Foreign Affairs in getting the proposed establishment of POLO information desk approved by the host government.

In Saudi Arabia, there are three international airports.These are the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi’s capital; the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Western region; and the King Fahad International Airport in Dammam, eastern part of Saudi Arabia.

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

OFW accused of stealing a diamond wedding ring to be home soon

Press Release

21 August 2011

A female overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was accused of purportedly stealing her employer’s diamond wedding ring worth 375,000 Saudi rials, roughly equivalent to P4.4-M, will be released and repatriated soon according to Migrante-Middle East (M-ME), a Filipino migrants rights’ group actively providing assistance to distress OFWs.

On July 12, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona, on a statement, identified the OFW who was given an alias ‘Rosalinda’, 29 years old, a native of Pililla, Rizal province.

OFW Rosalinda managed to call M-ME’s Monterona asking for assistance as she has been accused of her employer of stealing the latter’s diamond wedding ring.

“Napagbintangan po akong magnakaw ng wedding ring worth 375,000 rials. Di ko po talaga ginawa iyon,” Rosalinda telling Monterona during the conversation.

Monterona said that he was convinced that OFW Rosalinda did not commit the crime hurled against her.

“We gathered more information from POLO-OWWA official handling her case and other individuals who are privy to the accusation and she swearing to us that she did not steal her employer’s wedding ring were enough reasons for us to believe that she had indeed never committed the crime,” he averred.

Monterona said his group immediately coordinated with the POLO-OWWA officials in Dammam, eastern part of Saudi Arabia, and with the officers of the Saudi Social Welfare Agency (SSWA) branch in Dammam, where Rosalinda has been temporarily seeking refuge.

Monterona said Rosalinda told him that she was brought to Dammam Central jail only for five days, after which she was transferred to SSWA sometime on 1^st week of July.

On August 17, Monterona said he received a short message (SMS) from OFW Rosalinda stating “Everything is settled Sir John. This week, by God’s will, I’ll be home in the Philippines. Thank you.”

“I immediately called her as I am so glad to read her SMS and eager to talk with her over the phone about the good news. She confirmed to me that the SSWA helped mediate with her employer,” Monterona added.

Monterona quoting OFW Rosalinda who told him that her employer agreed to withdraw the case filed against her after SWWA officials promised that it will arrange to raise an amount as payment for the ‘lost’ wedding ring.

“It’s a lucky break for her! We and her family seem to be hopeless since a formal complaint had already been filed in Court,” Monterona averred.

“In behalf of the family of OFW Rosalinda, we would like to convey our sincere appreciation to SSWA officials in Dammam who helped her gain her freedom and her eventual repatriation. After all she never committed a crime, so she must be freed!” Monterona concluded. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-ME regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

Govt. 'makes a killing’ on OFWs by charging high consular fees

Press Release

20 August 2011

'Govt. 'makes a killing’ on OFWs by charging high consular fees'

Thus, said Saturday by Migrante-Middle East, a Filipino migrant group actively promoting and defending migrant rights, after it got hold a copy of a ‘Consular Slip’ issued by the Philippine embassy to OFWs.

In the Consular Slip (see attached), the various schedules of fees are specified from passport services to visa services to notarials and other miscellaneous services.

“The rate or the schedules of fees are in Saudi riyals, Saudi Arabia’s currency. We should take note that Saudi riyal to PH peso conversion is around 1:11.2 at current prevailing exchange rate,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.

Monterona cited for instance if an OFW would like to renew his/her old machine readable passport (MRP) to get the newly required e-Passport, the PH embassy charges an OFW of 240 SR, which is roughly equivalent to P2,700.

“Comparatively speaking, the P2,700 (240 SR) e-Passport fee renewal charge by PH embassy in Saudi is triple higher than the fee if one would get his passport renewed at DFA consular office in the Philippines,” Monterona added.

On August 18, the PH embassy in Riyadh issued Advisory No.73/2011 (see attached). The embassy announces the reduction of the cost of replacement of lost passport.

The fee for application of replacement e-Passport for a lost passport (green or MRP) is now SR 360 instead of SR440. The total fee inclusive of the notarization of the affidavit of loss is SR 460, the embassy stated.

The PH embassy further stated on its issued advisory: “If you lose your e-Passport, however, and apply for a replacement, the fee is SR 600 and SR 100 for the notarization of the affidavit of loss or a total fee of SR 700.”

Monterona said the reduction of cost for the replacement of lost passport, the green or MRP is ridiculous as no OFWs are allowed to renew and get a green MRP passport because Filipinos including OFWs are now required to get instead the new reddish purple e-Passport.

Monterona explained as to the fee for the replacement of lost e-Passport, the 600 SR plus 100 SR for notarization of the affidavit of loss, totaling to 700 SR is really extremely high as this would equate to around P7,800.

Monterona said 700 SR is less than a hundred of an OFW-domestic worker one-month salary of 800 SR.

“Clearly, the embassy and the DFA are making a killing on us!” Monterona lamented.

Monterona said his group and fellow OFWs could not understand why the consular fees are that extremely high.

“We could understand why it should not be made the same rate as to the rate in the Philippines, but a 200% to 300% higher is highly questionable,” the OFW leader averred.

“We are calling the PH embassy, the DFA, and the Aquino administration to reconsider the reduction of the consular fees so as not to put additional burden to our already over-burdened OFWs and their dependents,” Monterona added.

Monterona further said the Aquino govt. should take into consideration the spiraling cost of commodities not only in the Philippines but also here in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries; “thus a reduction on consular fees will be a relief to struggling OFWs and their dependents,” he averred.

“I am not sure if the consular fees collected by various diplomatic posts are subject to COA accounting procedures. If not, then Congress should look at it during budget deliberations,” Monterona added.

“The government has been over-charging OFWs and yet its proposed budget allocation for OFWs direct services in various concerned government agencies is too little,” Monterona concluded. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

Ask Libya govt., NATO to secure the safety of remaining OFWs in Tripoli, PH govt. urged

Press Release

19 August 2011

Migrante-Middle East (M-ME), a Filipino migrants rights group, today urges the Aquino administration to ask the Libyan government and NATO forces to secure the safety of remaining overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Tripoli amid reports that the Libyan rebels along with the NATO forces now advancing to get inside Tripoli, Libya’s capital city.

Citing local news report, M-ME John Leonard Monterona said the rebels and NATO forces are about to advance and push to penetrate Tripoli in its attempt to isolate Libyan president Ghadafi and his armies and eventually occupy Libya’s capital.

Monterona said the same information he received from Fr. Allan Arcebuche of Caritas Libya who are still there providing assistance to trapped migrant workers.

“Medjo, mainit na ngayon dito dahil papasukin na ang Tripoli City,” Fr. Archebuche’s email to Monterona sent yesterday.

“The report caused us worries and serious concern on the safety of the remaining 1,200 OFWs who are mostly based in Tripoli,” said Monterona.

Monterona added most of the OFWs are nurses and medical staff in various government-hospitals in Tripoli.

“They opted to remain in Tripoli because of the nature of their profession which is badly needed especially in times of war taking care of the wounded, aside from the promised of their employers securing their safety and additional compensation,” Monterona added.

Monterona noted that even the Ghadafi govt. previously promised that it will take our OFWs secured.

“But it is a totally different situation when the rebel forces supported by heavy NATO air strikes enter and bombard Tripoli. Hindi namimili ang bala at air strikes ng matatamaan,” Monterona averred.

Monterona urges the Aquino govt. to appeal on both sides –to the Ghadafi forces and Libyan rebels and to the NATO forces –to spare the lives of innocent civilians including our OFWs working in various government hospitals in Tripoli,” Monterona added.

“The DFA must do something about it and if it sees the need to send a formal appeal to NATO and Ghadafi govt., it must do so as soon as possible,” Monterona.

“What’s the present status of the evacuation and repatriation efforts of the PH govt. in case there are OFWs who would want to go out from Libya?,” Monterona asked.

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-ME regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

Syria Unrest: ‘PH govt. evacuation and repatriation efforts too slow’

Press Release

18 August 2011

‘PH govt. evacuation and repatriation efforts too slow’

Thus, said Thursday by a Filipino migrants’ rights group providing assistance to distress OFWs in the Middle East, in the current efforts of evacuating and repatriating trapped overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) mostly domestic workers in conflict-torn Syria.

“We are seeing a repeat of government’s ‘wait-and-see’ stance at the height of Libya unrest early this year,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.

Monterona is referring to the current efforts by the Aquino administration and concerned government agencies in evacuating and repatriating trapped OFWs in Syria.

“It seems that the Aquino govt. and its officials did not learn from Libya experience. Evacuation and repatriation effort is too slow,” Monterona observed.

He said, 3 months ago since the Syria conflict erupted, Migrante-ME is already ‘barking’ to the PH post to arrange the repatriation of around 60 distress OFWs then seeking temporary refugee at the PH embassy’s Filipino Workers Resource Center (FWRC).

“Now, there numbers have increased to around 100 as per the reports we are receiving. And yet the distress OFWs have been there for three to 6 months and still awaiting their repatriation,” Monterona averred.

Monterona said Migrante-ME had been sending numerous formal requests for repatriation of the distress OFWs in Syria under the care of the PH post headed by Ambassdor Wilfredo Cuyugan.

“We and the families of the distress OFWs are not even getting acknowledgement and reply from Ambassador Cuyugan and his Assistance to the Nationals staff,” Monterona added.

Monterona opined that if the PH diplomatic post could not arrange the repatriation of distress OFWs already under its care, ‘how about those OFWs now trapped in other places such as in Latakia, Homs, Dera’a where infighting occurred, a hundred kilometers away from Damascus where the PH embassy is located?’ he asked.

Monterona said regardless of the status of the OFWs, either documented or undocumented, they should be given assistance or the PH diplomatic post is duty-bound to arrange for their evacuation and eventual repatriation.

“If the PH post have prepared for the worst scenario to happen, then it should have done early preparations such as mapping the locations and identify rallying points in every place where there are OFWs with the help of the local agencies and Syrian authorities,” Monterona added.

Monterona deplores Amb. Cuyugan who was heard in various reports saying that OFWs are ‘secure and safe’ and that OFWs are not seeking for repatriation yet.

“Amb. Cuyugan, though at his PH office in Damascus, is out of touched as he failed to feel the concerns and worries of trapped OFWs in Latakia, Homs, and other place in Syria,” Monterona added.

“We would like to remind Amb. Cuyugan of his responsibility and accountability on the information he is telling the public. All we want is honest-to-goodness OFWs situation assessment and swift action to evacuate and repatriate our fellow OFWs who want to exit Syria,” Monterona ended. # # #

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-ME regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228

Deployment of OFWs in Jordan despite existing ban

Press Release

18 August 2011

Group urges Aquino govt. to intensify crack down on illegal recruiters

Migrante-Middle East (M-ME), a Filipino migrants’ rights group actively providing assistance to distress overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) said Thursday OFWs are incessantly deployed in Jordan despite existing ban.

M-ME regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said that OFWs mostly domestic workers could still sneak out from the Philippines and are being deployed to Jordan even if there is a deployment ban imposed by the PH govt.

“I just received last night a request via short messages (SMS) from an OFW domestic worker deployed in Jordan asking for assistance as she is afraid to be apprehended by the local authorities after running away from her employer,” said Monterona.

Monterona identified the OFW with name initials LBV (she requested her name be withheld), of legal age and married, a native from Culasi, Antique province. She arrived in Jordan last February 2011 to work as a domestic worker.

“Magpapatulong po. Gusto ka na pong umuwi,” (Asking for assistance. I want to go home) OFW LBV text message to Monterona.

Monterona said he called the OFW and asked information on how she was deployed in Jordan as there is an existing deployment ban. “Huli na po ng malaman kong may deployment ban,” (It was too late when I knew there is a deployment ban) she replied.

“But how come you and your 3 other companions were allowed to passed at the airport’s PH immigration authority?” asked Monterona. She replied suspecting that their agent in the Philippines has connections inside the immigration and the POEA as she and her 3 companions were able to get an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) with the help of their recruitment agent.

OFW LBV told Monterona that they were recruited by a certain ‘Alvin’ who was on a recruitment tour in Antique province last year, and that they were among those recruits to be deployed in Jordan as domestic workers.

Monterona said there is no doubt that OFW LBV and 3 others are victims of unscrupulous illegal recruiters.

“Illegal recruiters would not flourish and succeed in victimizing innocent jobless ‘probinsyana’ for overseas domestic works if it has no connections in various government agencies,” Monterona lamented.

Monterona said aside from intensifying the crackdown on illegal recruiters, the Aquino govt. through its newly formed Presidential Task Force on Anti-illegal Recruitment (PTFAIR) headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay, also presidential adviser on OFWs concerns, must pursue filling of cases against corrupt officials of concerned government agencies in cahoots with unscrupulous illegal recruiters.

“We are also raising serious concern on OFWs that may sneak out to Syria after the POEA imposed a ban yesterday due to heightened political turmoil and deteriorating peace and order situation in that country,” Monterona added.

Migrante-ME estimated there are around 10,000 to 12,000 OFWs in Jordan, while in Syria around 20,000 to 22,000 OFWs, including undocumented, mostly domestic workers.

The deployment ban in Jordan has been imposed since 2008 due to alarming number of abuse cases raised by Filipino workers. 

Aside from Jordan, the PH govt. has existing deployment ban on Iraq, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Lebanon.

Reference:

John Leonard Monterona

Migrante-ME regional coordinator

Mobile No. 00966535921228