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Ni ROMEO ALLAN BUTUYAN II
SA gitna ng patuloy na pagtaas ng tensyon sa Lebanon, hinimok ng isang kongresista ang mga overseas Filipino workers na nakabase sa Lebanon na huwag palampasin ang pagkakataon makauwi ng ligatas sa Pilipinas.
Sa isang kalatas, partikular na tinukoy ni pro-overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) rights and welfare advocate at KABAYAN partylist Rep. Ron Salo ang repatriation na alok ng pamahalaan.
“I urge our kababayans in Lebanon to seize this opportunity to return home safely and at no cost. This is your chance to reunite with your loved ones and ensure your safety during these uncertain times.” panawagan ng kongresista.
PAra kay Salo, higit na angkop agad na kumilos ang mga kapwa documented at undocumented Filipinos sa Lebanon na lumikas hanggat bukas ang paliparan.
“The risks on the safety and security of our OFWs in Lebanon are high. I encourage them to prioritize their safety and well-being by availing of this free repatriation service by our government,” wika ng ranking House official.
Sa datos ng KABAYAN partylist lawmaker, tinatayang nasa 11,000 Pinoy (kasama na ang mga undocumented) sa Lebanon na isinailalim na sa Crisis Alert Level 3, na ang ibig sabihin ay pagpapatupad ng voluntary repatriation sa mga dayuhang nagtatrabaho sa naturang bansa.
“Under this alert level, Filipinos are strongly encouraged to return to the Philippines, with all repatriation expenses covered by the employers’, or if not possible, the government. Prior to the call for voluntary repatriation, Lebanon had long been under deployment ban,” ani Salo.
Samantala, pinuri naman ni Salo ang Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at ang mga embahada ng Pilipinas sa Israel at Cairo sa maagap na pagtugon ng mga ito para matiyak ang kaligtasan ng mga Pilipino sa Lebanon.
“The government has done an admirable job in repatriating many of our kababayans, but we must remain vigilant. The situation can change rapidly, and it is crucial that all Filipinos wishing to return home can do so without delay,” pahayag pa ng kongresista.
“Take this as an opportunity not only to ensure your safety but also to be with your families. There is no greater comfort than being in the arms of your loved ones during times of uncertainty,” pagtatapos ni Salo
