EVACUATION OF OFWs IN IRAQ MULLED
MANILA, November 4, 2004 (STAR) By Mayen Jaymalin and Pia Lee-Brago - Following the abduction of another Filipino worker, the Philippine government is preparing to evacuate some 5,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from war-torn Iraq.
At a press conference yesterday, Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said the government is considering this move if the security situation in the Middle Eastern country deteriorates further.
"If the violence would escalate, I think we would have to be prepared for the possibility of evacuating or moving our people from Iraq," Sto. Tomas disclosed.
The possible evacuation of Filipinos from Iraq was the foremost concern reportedly raised by President Arroyo after the opening prayer during a Cabinet meeting last Tuesday, said an administration official who asked not to be named.
Robert Tarongoy, 31, who works as an accountant in a Saudi company in Iraq, was abducted by militants along with two other foreigners and three Iraqis in Baghdad last Monday.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
According to the administration official, Mrs. Arroyo was saddened by the latest abduction of a Filipino worker.
The kidnapping took place even after a government ban on the deployment of OFWs in Iraq was in effect.
"The President mentioned the bad news during the Cabinet meeting. She said she is thinking of evacuating all Filipinos in Iraq," the official told The STAR.
The official, however, noted that this possible action could be opposed by the United States government because most of the OFWs are working in American military camps. Many are employed as truck drivers for the delivery of food supplies for the US forces in Baghdad.
"The President is thinking of the safety of the Filipinos there. But the problem in asking them to return home is whether their American employers will agree," the official said.
There are some 4,200 OFWs in Iraq, majority of them working in various US military camps to help out in the post-war rebuilding of the country.
However, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) estimates about 5,000 Filipinos working there.
Sto. Tomas explained there are about 200 Filipinos working in the so-called "green zone," or dangerous areas.
She said the government already has an existing contingency plan for the removal of all OFWs in Iraq, even those who entered illegally.
"There are about 200 OFWs who are working outside the camps and they are most vulnerable because most of them entered Iraq illegally and they travel only by car, therefore, more exposed to violence," she said.
Tarongoy, a native of Davao City, was one of those working outside the US military camps. He is with the Saudi Arabian Trading and Construction Co. (SATCO), a company that caters food to coalition forces.
Four other Filipino employees of SATCO are now in a safehouse.
Sto. Tomas said the Philippine government has yet to receive information as to who were behind the kidnapping. But she said all efforts would be exerted to ensure Tarongoy’s freedom.
"The government is doing its best efforts to secure his release," the labor chief said.
She added that the crisis management committee of the Department of Labor and Employment is currently coordinating with labor officials in Kuwait for possible negotiations for the captive’s release.
"There is still no negotiation at this time because no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, but we are starting to work for his immediate release," Sto. Tomas said.
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is already conducting an investigation into Tarongoy’s entry to Iraq despite the government ban.
The President imposed the ban last July after the hostage drama involving Filipino truck driver Angelo de la Cruz. Although he was freed later on, the crisis gripped the nation after his captors threatened to kill him if Filipino forces were not pulled out of Iraq.
Mrs. Arroyo withdrew the small Philippine humanitarian contingent, saving De la Cruz’s life but which disappointed the US and other coalition allies.
Sto. Tomas reiterated the government’s call for Filipinos still planning to work in Iraq to reconsider and not take the risk of entering illegally.
"Everyday we see instances of violence in Iraq, so please do not go there. It’s not a joke," said Sto. Tomas, who admitted being distressed with the latest abduction of a Filipino.
She also urged the families of Filipino workers who entered Iraq illegally to call the DOLE Hotline, 833-6992, and inform the government of their whereabouts.
"It is for the advantage of the OFWs, including those undocumented that we know their whereabouts just in case evacuation becomes necessary," Sto. Tomas said.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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