OWWA assures aid to freed Filipino kidnap victim in Somali

Manila, Philippines—Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) chief Carmelita Dimzon on Wednesday said her agency has already prepared some assistance to Glenn Costes to be given once he comes back to the country.

Glenn Costes and his three foreign colleagues, who were held hostage in Somalia for three days after they were seized from the Dadaab refugee camp, were rescued Monday on the Kenya-Somali border.  All four worked for the Norwegian Refugee Council.

In an interview with anchors Susan K and Captain Dylan Halili over Radyo Inquirer, Dimzon said Owwa’s regional director in Davao went to Catherine Costes, wife of Glenn, to assure her that Owwa would extend help to the family.  She also said the Norwegian Refugee Council gave Costes stress-debriefing and the necessary medical assistance for free.

Dimzon said the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency has already reminded recruitment agencies to push for safety measures for Overseas Filipino Workers.