Some ‘repats’ don’t want to come home
Elmer flew to Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last August 12, 2009 to work as a computer technician but when he arrived at his employer’s house, he was tasked to be a driver. He didn’t have a driver’s license but because of fear he got behind the wheel.
There was a time, he said, when he was forced to drive a 10-wheeler truck. Sometimes he was commanded to drive the children of his employer to their school.
When he started disobeying his employer, he was threatened and told he would be turned over to the police. Elmer’s fear eventually brought him to the consulate of Jeddah. He executed an affidavit about his experiences to Vice Consul Jennifer Dingal which was forwarded to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
Elmer was endorsed for repatriation.
But when repatriation time came, Elmer was nowhere to be found.
It seems he was troubled by family problems. It seems his wife had left him for another man.
He says he was devastated when his younger son told him: “Daddy we have a new baby.”
Elmer’s wife, a school teacher, admitted she had a new partner, saying she doesn’t love her husband anymore.
Elmer’s parents apparently went ahead and took the children into their custody, claiming the mother had left the family home to join her lover.
Elmer fell into depression. He seemed to have lost his mind and left Hajj Terminal when he was about to be repatriated. He said he took a train ride to Riyadh because he felt devastated. He was not among those who returned to the Philippines.
Elmer’s parents were worried and sought the help of Bantay OCW at the Radyo Inquirer. We were able to contacted Elmer. Welfare Officer Benny Reyes is now accomplishing his documents for his repatriation in the Philippines.
Elmer’s condition, according to the welfare officer, is stable now and he is temporarily housed at the Jeddah Islamic port with other Filipinos seeking repatriation.
Susan Andes, a.k.a. Susan K is on board at RADYO INQUIRER 990 DZIQ AM, Monday to Friday, 7:00-8: 30 p.m.(Audio/ video live streaming: www.dziq.am); Hotlines: 5357209/ 8819423/ 0919.214.0699 E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]
