Over 70 undocumented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who camped out at the Philippine Embassy said they were willing to endure hardships until authorities grant them repatriation.
“We just want to go back to the Philippines to see our families,” said Carlos Alpajora Jr., 30, one of the workers without legal documentation.
According to an eyewitness, around 35 Filipinas, 18 Filipinos and 20 children are camping inside the Philippine Embassy.
“It is too hot, crowded and uncomfortable here but we will endure these hardships until the authorities grant us the right to go back to the Philippines,” said Alpajora. The campers were among the 150 workers who gathered in front of the Philippine Embassy on Friday to protest the alleged inability of the diplomatic mission to help them go home.
According to Alpajora, the Philippine Embassy provided them with food and drink, but not enough to satisfy the needs of the campers, especially the children. “They gave us milk and bread for breakfast and kabsa (a Saudi dish of rice and meat) for lunch,” Alpajora said.
The Philippine Embassy offered to transfer the mothers and children to a guesthouse, but the illegal workers refused.
“I am deeply concerned for the health and safety of the campers, especially the children. While we are aware of their desire to be repatriated immediately, the embassy feels it would be best for all of them to go to the guesthouse and remain there while the embassy processes their repatriation,” said Ezzedin Tago, Philippine ambassador.
The OFWs said they refused the offer because the location of the guesthouse is unknown and the women and children the only beneficiaries. “The offer is unfair because the men will be left out,” said Alpajora.
Illegal OFWs insist on repatriation
