The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper : Libya

Saturday, May 4, 2019

OFWs told to leave war-torn Tripoli immediately

THE PHILIPPINES HAS ordered the mandatory repatriation of all Filipino workers in Tripoli in Libya following fierce fighting between security and rebel forces.

Some 1,000 Filipinos are believed to be in the capital city, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. who raised the alert level upon the recommendation of the Philippine embassy in Tripoli. The embassy said the current situation on the ground could no longer guarantee the safety and security of Filipinos who chose to remain in the capital.

Two Filipinos were wounded after several hospitals and residential areas had been shelled. Chargé d’Affaires Elmer Cato said the fighting in the outskirts of Tripoli will soon make it difficult for the embassy to respond to urgent requests for assistance from distressed Filipinos.

With the declaration of Alert Level IV, the embassy has now doubled its efforts in persuading Filipinos to go home. The new alert level, which covers only Tripoli and other areas within a 100-kilometer radius from the capital, was raised after a number of Filipinos suddenly found themselves in the middle of fierce fighting since last week. (Joyce Ann Rocamora)

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Saturday, April 13, 2019

Deployment of OFWs in Libya stopped

MANILA HAS banned the deployment of Filipino workers in Libya because of the escalating violence there.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello the order was issued upon the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“Upon the advice of the DFA, we are imposing a deployment ban of workers to Libya to ensure their safety and security and to avoid getting caught in the escalating violence in Libya,” he said.

Bello said they are closely coordinating with the DFA to closely monitor the situation and assess the possible repatriation of OFWs, to ensure the workers' safety and security. DOLE is ready to provide repatriation assistance to our Filipino workers who will signify interest to come home,” he said.

“An augmentation team will be dispatched this week to ensure the welfare of our workers, and assist their possible repatriation. Also, we are prepared for any exigency of forced repatriation if the situation deteriorates,” Bello added.

The DFA raised Alert Level 3 in Tripoli and some areas within a 100-kilometer radius of the capital, which is considered as voluntary repatriation phase. The implementation of the deployment ban will take effect until the situation normalizes or until further advice by the DFA. Bello said they are constantly assessing the situation and will issue appropriate advisories from time to time.

The reintegration assistance from Overseas Workers Welfare Administration awaits OFWs who may be repatriated from Libya, he said. There are some 2,600 documented OFWs in Libya, mostly professionals, composed of medical workers and skilled workers. (Ferdinand Patinio)