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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bong Go urges OFWs in Israel to coordinate with PH embassy in Tel Aviv

Bong Go urges OFWs in Israel to coordinate with PH embassy in Tel Aviv

Published Oct 9, 2023 05:03 am

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday, October 9 urged Filipino migrant workers in Israel to closely coordinate with Philippine embassy officials in Tel Aviv so they can be accounted for.


Go made the call amid the ongoing conflict between Israel’s state forces and the terrorist group Hamas.


"I understand that many of you have built lives abroad, but your safety should always come first. Please coordinate with our embassy and avail yourselves of the government's assistance," Go advised.


Go also directed his appeal to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).


“The safety of our kababayans is paramount. I urge the DMW, DFA, and POEA to act swiftly and ensure that every Filipino worker is accounted for,” he added.


As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, the senator cited the need for a swift and comprehensive inventory of affected OFWs, particularly those who may have been victims of violence.


He also urged authorities to plan for their immediate repatriation when necessary.


Go, one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act No. 11641, or the Department of Migrant Workers Act, which created the DMW, said he is vouching for this department to put the law into action.


"The DMW Act was designed to protect our OFWs. Now, more than ever, it's time to put this law into action to protect our kababayans," he emphasized.


“I call upon all relevant agencies to work hand in hand in this endeavor. Let us set aside bureaucracy and focus on immediate action. Lives are at stake here,” he urged.


Based on a recent report by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), around 200 OFWs based in the Gaza Strip are currently being monitored due to the conflict.


The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has also released a statement on President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to DMW and OWWA to locate and account for all OFWs and their families in Israel.


Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian issued the same call to the same agencies, saying the escalation of hostilities at the Gaza-Israel border should prompt immediate response from them to ensure the safety and security of affected Filipinos in Israel.


“Every effort must be made to provide shelter for all Filipinos caught in the conflict and to facilitate the swift repatriation of our OFWs and their families,” Gatchalian said in a separate statement.


“It is imperative that we all work together to assist our fellow countrymen who find themselves in the midst of this war and ensure their safe return to their loved ones,” he added.




Related Tags

Bong Go Israel Embassy Sherwin Gatchalian Department of Migrant Workers
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