Salceda: Phl flag carriers should help repatriate OFWs from Libya

LEGAZPI CITY, - Albay Governor Joey Salceda on Monday expressed his dismay that the country’s airlines have not offered their services for the thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) caught in the political armed conflict in the Middle East.

He said the Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines were neither seen nor heard amidst the need for the government to rescue and bring back the OFWs to the country.

Salceda said, “One week now into the commotions of Libyan repatriation effort, PAL, Cebu Pacific or Air Philippines are still invisible or inaudible, not a stir, not even for show.”

He urged government authorities to ask and look into the country’s flag carrier for the repatriation OFWs in the war-torn areas in the Middle East.

He said these carriers must answer to the conditions of their license to fly in Philippine skies and the use of Philippines in their business names.

The Albay Assistance Program for OFWs in Libya desk has been closely coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) concerning the plight of Bicolano OFWs in the Middle East.

The assistance desk said there are 49 Albayano OFWs in Libya still awaiting to be rescued and brought back to the country.

OWWA records also indicate that there are at least 251 OFWs from Bicol region in Libya. Of this number, 98 are from Camarines Sur, followed by Albay with 85 OFWs, Camarines Norte – 29, Sorsogon – 25, Catanduanes - 8, and Masbate - 6. (MSA, PNA Bicol/PIA V/mal)