This was not the first time Gil Lebria, 37, had gone abroad for work. Unfortunately, this was also not the first time that he and others like him encountered a major problem that the Philippine government had ignored and, as a result, they were forced to return home earlier than planned, empty-handed.
Tags: Migrante
Philippines Urged to Protect OFWs as Protests Spread in Middle East
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
Migrante International said the government’s “slow, dismaying and disorganized action” in repatriating overseas Filipino workers who were trapped in strife-torn Libya should not be repeated in other countries in the Middle East and North Africa, where protest actions against governments intensify. | Sidebar: OFW Recalls Danger in Libya, Denounces Neglect by Philippine Government | FULL COVERAGE: Anti-government protests in Libya and elsewhere
Abused in Riyadh for 2 Years Now, OFW Sings Lullabies as Cry for Help
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
Maria Victoria Cavanes and her fellow OFW Maricel Busbos, who are working as domestic helpers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, are being routinely physically abused by their employers. Their families are desperately appealing for their rescue.
Migrant Group Hits ‘Wait & See’ Stance by the Aquino Government. in Middle-East Conflicts (PR)
Press Release 21 February 2011 Citing the ‘not so reassuring’ pronouncement by the Aquino government spokespersons in regards to the safety of Filipino workers in Arab countries under volatile peace and order situation due to on-going massive protests of its own nationals, a Filipino migrant rights group in the Middle East today slammed what it…
Tales of Woe, Suffering, and Neglect of OFWs in Prisons Abroad
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
In jail, maltreated, away from home and without any assistance from the government, these OFWs are no longer concerned about pursuing their dreams of escaping poverty. Their main concern now is to survive their ordeal and be able to go home to their families as free individuals.
Sidebar: Lawmaker Calls Attention to Increasing Number of OFW ‘Drug Mules’
DOLE Absolves Official in YouTube Video Verbally Abusing OFW in Hongkong
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
Migrante International is dismayed by the ruling, saying said that by absolving labor attaché Romulo Salud of his verbal abuse of Agnes Tenorio, the DOLE is encouraging more such abuses in the future.
For Distressed OFWs in Jeddah, Hope Lies Under the Bridge of Khandara (Photo Essay)
Hope Lies Under Khandara Bridge
The Slaves of Madagascar: Abused OFWs Repatriated for Fighting for Their Rights
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
Kentz, a major contractor that operates one of the world’s biggest nickel-cobalt refineries in the world, is accused of mistreating its Filipino workers, one of whom the company allegedly kidnapped to prevent the other abused workers from protesting.
OFWs Remain Neglected Under Aquino
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
Since Aquino became president, he has not made any significant policy that would alleviate the conditions of OFWs. Instead, his administration has allowed anti-migrant policies to continue and even reduced the budget for legal assistance for OFWs.
Group questions transparency of probe on erring labor attaché
Press Release 17 November 2010 “How fair is the investigation? It has been a week since the investigating team has conducted its probe in Hong Kong and up to now, there’s no word on its results. By this week, DOLE must make the results public for Agnes Tenorio and other fellow OFWs. We have the…
HK group demands Labatt’s recall in protest over scolding of OFW Tenorio
Press Release 03 November 2010 “More than 100,000 already viewed the YouTube clip and indignation was the overwhelming response of most viewers. In one afternoon alone, we gathered more than 4,000 signatures. The OFWs and the people have spoken and this is what we wish to deliver: Recall Salud Now!” This was declared today by…