An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) seeking assistance through DAILY TRIBUNE’s digital show Usapang OFW alleged that her Philippine recruitment agency blocked her on Facebook after she followed up on her medical concerns.

Jeravyl Banatanto, an OFW based in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, has been suffering from a swollen foot, which she claims remains untreated despite repeated complaints.

In a screenshot shared with DAILY TRIBUNE, Banatanto said her agency, Hannan International Manpower Corporation, blocked her on Facebook after she had sought help.

On Tuesday, DAILY TRIBUNE visited the agency’s office in Multinational Village, Parañaque City.

However, agency representatives declined to comment, citing the unavailability of authorized personnel, and refused to provide contact information for “privacy reasons.”

Meanwhile, Hazel Fernandez, another Filipina worker who sought help from Usapang OFW, was successfully repatriated on Sunday, 5 January.

A memorandum provided to Fernandez indicated she was eligible for P10,000 in financial assistance. However, when she visited the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) office in Pasay City to claim it, the aid was not released.

“But OWWA provided me with transportation assistance worth P1,200 for my trip home to Olongapo City,” Fernandez said.

In a statement, Mico Mabanag, head of OWWA’s Advocacy and Social Marketing Division, clarified that Fernandez’s financial assistance falls under the jurisdiction of OWWA Regional Welfare Office 3 and assured that the matter would be coordinated with the personnel concerned.