Relatives of OFWs in Libya urged to help gov’t in repatriation
One of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) flashes the peace sign upon arrival with other workers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at suburban Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines, following their repatriation from Libya Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014. AP
MANILA, Philippines — The government on Sunday called on relatives of Filipinos in Libya to assist the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in reaching out to their loved ones amid ongoing conflict in the North African nation.
Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. urged Filipinos in Libya to contact the Philippine embassy in Tripoli through the following numbers and email addresses: (00218) 918-244-208 / (00218) 914-370-399 / (00218) 945-348-481; [email protected] / [email protected].
“Nakatanggap din po kasi kami ng mga pakiusap mula sa mga kamag-anak ng ating mga kababayan doon [na] hindi na raw makontak ‘yung kanilang mga kaanak, at siguro nga po dahil sa lumulubhang sitwasyon, kaya’t mas mabuti po talaga na sa lalong madaling panahon ay makipag-ugnayan sila sa ating embahada,” he said during a radio interview.
(We also received pleas of help from relatives of Filipinos in Libya, saying they cannot contact their loved ones, perhaps because of the worsening situation. They should immediately coordinate with our embassy.)
He said concerned individuals should contact the DFA through its 24-hour hotlines (552-7105 and 834-4685) to register their relatives staying in Libya, as well as their addresses, so they may be reached and evacuated.
Asked how the government will deal with OFWs refusing to leave the country, Coloma said embassy officials may be able to convince them once it becomes apparent that their lives are in danger.
The DFA has raised Alert Level IV, requiring mandatory evacuation and repatriation, last July 20 as as armed groups compete to wrest control from Libya’s weak government.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario earlier said he would personally travel to Tunisia while other officials rent ships from Malta to pick up Filipinos from Benghazi, Misarata and Tripoli.
A Filipino construction worker was already kidnapped and beheaded while a Filipina nurse was raped and later released by the rebels.
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