OFW accused of abandoning family arrested at airport

MANILA, Philippines—An overseas Filipino worker, who was sued by his wife for abandoning her and their five children, was prevented by airport authorities from leaving the country Tuesday morning, an official of the Manila International Airport Authority said.

Chief Inspector Jonathan Galang, chief of operations of the MIAA Airport Security Center, identified the OFW as Francisco Crisostomo Lua Jr., of Aringay, La Union.

According to Galang, Lua, 33, an electrician, was arrested on the basis of a warrant issued by Aringay regional trial court Branch 31 Judge Clifton Ganay for the Anti-Violation Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 complaint filed by his wife Lulu Lua.

Apart from the warrant, the Department of Justice has also issued a hold departure order against Lua, Galang added.

Based on the information filed by Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Crispin Navalta Jr., Lua has been accused by his wife of abandoning and withdrawing financial support to her and their children since late last year. The wife also said Lua has been engaged in extramarital affairs.

Lua was arrested a few minutes before he boarded a China Airlines flight to Taipei, Taiwan.

He told reporters he was aware of the complaint filed against him but the service of the warrant of arrest still took him by surprise.

He said that with his arrest, he faces the risk of losing his job.

A bail of P40,000 for his temporary liberty was recommended by the court.

Galang said they will take Lua to Aringay, La Union RTC Wednesday.