Go seeks OFW protection amid unrest
‘Let us ensure that our injured countrymen receive the medical treatment and assistance they need. We must monitor their condition until they fully recover and support their families here in the Philippines, who are surely worried about them.’
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go urged the government to strengthen protection and emergency assistance for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid security threats and unrest in France, Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Go called on the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Philippine embassies to closely monitor developments, maintain communication with Filipino communities and prepare contingency plans for emergency assistance and repatriation.
“I urge the DFA, DMW, OWWA and our embassies to closely monitor the situation of our countrymen in troubled countries. Let us ensure their safety and immediately address their needs. We should not wait for anyone to get hurt before taking action,” Go said.
In France, protests involving students and workers escalated into unrest, with clashes, looting and property damage reported in several cities, particularly Paris. The Philippine Embassy advised Filipinos to avoid protest areas and large gatherings. As of 19 October, the DFA reported no Filipinos injured or involved in the unrest.
In Saudi Arabia, seven Filipino workers were injured in missile and drone attacks attributed to Houthi forces, including a 10 October attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The DFA reported on 19 October that three of the injured workers were in critical condition.
The DMW and DFA are coordinating with Saudi authorities to ensure medical care and assistance. Four injured workers had been discharged, while the others continued receiving treatment. The government was also arranging financial assistance and repatriation, subject to medical clearance.
Flight disruptions left hundreds of Filipinos stranded in Saudi Arabia. Thirty-four OFWs returned home on 19 October through government-assisted repatriation, while another 65 were expected to arrive the following day.
Filipinos in Israel were likewise advised to exercise heightened caution, particularly near the West Bank, following reports of attacks against foreign nationals by Israeli settlers.
“Let us ensure that our injured countrymen receive the medical treatment and assistance they need. We must monitor their condition until they fully recover and support their families here in the Philippines, who are surely worried about them,” Go said.
He also called for accessible emergency hotlines so Filipinos in distress could quickly reach government authorities.
Go was instrumental in the passage of Republic Act 11641, which established the DMW. He also filed Senate Bill 1776, or the proposed National Reintegration Bill, seeking stronger employment, livelihood, training and credit assistance for returning migrant workers.
The senator has also pushed for institutionalizing the OFW Hospital in Pampanga and establishing dedicated OFW wards in Department of Health-retained hospitals nationwide.
“Our OFWs are hailed as modern-day heroes, and it is only fitting that we ensure their safety wherever they are in the world,” Go said.