ALKHOBAR, 12 August 2004 — When Ambassador Bahnarim A. Guinomla first visited restaurant worker Marvin Mere?o at the Saad Specialist Hospital in May, the victim of Alkhobar’s latest terrorist attack was at the intensive care unit, unconscious.

After four major surgical operations in his face, Mere?o was able to smile at the ambassador, who dropped by for a visit in the same hospital last weekend.

Upon seeing the ambassador, Mere?o was in tears as he tried to utter words of thanks to all those who gave him all the necessary support, including the Philippine government.

Holding on to his throat, and in a faint voice, he also profusely thanked his employer, Maan Al-Sanea, chairman and owner of Saad Trading and Contracting Company (STCC), for giving all out support.

“I’m glad that he has fully recovered from his traumatic experience,” said an elated Guinomla, who also cited the employer for going out of his way to help him and his family.

Al-Sanea had shouldered all the hospital expenses of Mere?o and the accommodation and food allowances of his brother Mark, who was flown in from Manila by the Philippine government to watch over the victim.

Guinomla also commended the officials and staff of the hospital for taking good care of Mere?o.

The STCC is one of the sister companies of Saad Specialist Hospital and the Oasis Hotel, where Mere?o worked as a waiter.

Mere?o was one of three Filipinos injured when gunmen seized the Oasis Hotel compound and the Petromin and RSAL offices in Alkhobar on May 29.

Three other Filipinos were found dead with several other victims of different nationalities after the attack.

Unlike the two other injured Filipinos — Jimuel Tarrosa, who was hit by a bullet on his right leg, and Alberto Costales, who was treated with minor injuries — Mere?o’s injury was severe. A bullet entered his right cheek and exploded through his nose and damaged his right eye. He can hardly talk because his throat was also affected. In

a bid to to speed up Mere?o’s recover, his employer invited his brother to come and look after him and extend moral support.

Mark was billeted at the Al-Hamad Hotel and given food allowance by Marvin’s employer during his stay in Dammam. STCC is also giving him a temporary job while he is looking after his brother.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila shouldered Mark’s traveling expenses while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration gave him $1,000 as pocket money.