DAMMAM, 14 February 2003 — More task forces are being organized to help evacuate and give relief and shelter to Filipinos in the Eastern Province in the event of a war in Iraq, Philippine Embassy officials said yesterday.
A team headed by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) yesterday met leaders of the Filipino community in Hafr Al-Baten.
The team, led by Assistant Labor Attaché Jalilo dela Torre and Supervising Welfare Officer Sotero Tornea, also visited Khafji on Wednesday.
Dela Torre said that task forces on transportation, medical care, food and shelter were formed in case OFWs from Kuwait are relocated to Khafji.
There are about 2,000 OFWs in Khafji and in the surrounding towns of Tanajeeb, Nuayriyah, Ras Meshab and Safaniyah. Last Friday, the Middle East Preparedness Team led by Special Envoy Roy Cimatu met with OFW communities in Dammam and Alkhobar in the presence of Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla, Minister Counselor Mariano Dumia, OWWA administrator Virgilio Angelo, and representatives from the Saudi directorates of civil defense and foreign schools.
Dumia briefed OFWs on the Alert Level II of the Philippine Embassy. He stressed that the overall situation in the Kingdom remains peaceful and calm and that OFWs should continue with their daily tasks but observe necessary security precautions.
He also urged OFWs to refrain from leaving their work areas or residences if not necessary. Dumia advised them to have their travel documents and important personal belongings ready in case of relocation to safer areas in the Kingdom.
Earlier, Ambassador Guinomla met separately with the Accredited Community Partners (ACP) of the embassy. Guinomla reminded community leaders not to panic. He also said he would establish a center of communication for the OFWs in Dammam.
Meanwhile, dela Torre said that the SMS WelfareNet Hotline/OFW Tracking System is now in place. This is a joint project of the embassy and the OFW Information and Communications Technology (ICT) conveners group. OFWs may text 059-252241 with their whereabouts for easy tracking or if emergency assistance is required. They may also email [email protected], or connect to www.txtmoko.net for further instructions.
Dela Torre added that those without mobile phones or access to email may register through their community leaders, namely: Greg Crisostomo, 057-441534 and George Elopre, 052-231038 in Khafji; Nilda Talidong, 052-2933076 and Joy Ilarde, 052-2237814 in Hafr Al-Baten; Marilou Aquino-Aranador, 054-849356 and Flos Famarin, 052-178674 in Hofuf; and Buddy Alpuerto, 057-973400 in Alkhobar.
OFWs may also physically register at Filipino establishments like Roses, Puerto Azul, Cabalen, Panciteria, Friday’s, Chowking, Kadiwa and Sky Freight Forwarders.