Stranded Ilonggo OFWs are homebound

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

Fifty-two Ilonggo overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), mostly seafarers, who were stranded in Metro Manila because of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon are homebound through the concerted efforts of local and national officials.

The migrant workers relayed their plight in Metro Manila to Daily Guardian via Messenger. The office of Iloilo City lone district Rep. Julienne “Jam” Baronda responded by coordinating with concerned offices such as the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Defense, among others.

In her letter to Labor Sec. Silvestre Bello III, Rep. Baronda said the migrant workers “were forced by circumstance to cancel flying home or flying out of the country due to lack of commercial flights.”

“They were left with no option but to undergo home quarantine while being stranded here in Metro Manila relative to the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon. These individuals have sought the help of my office as they have finished the 14-day quarantine and are running out of finances to defray the cost of their stay in their accommodation here in Metro Manila. They are now pleading to be assisted to be able to go home to Iloilo City,” she added.

Baronda then asked Bello to issue an Omnibus Travel Clearance to these stranded Ilonggos for them to be with their respective families subject to the protocols set by the interagency task force on emerging and infectious diseases and local government units like home quarantine upon their arrival back home.

Bello granted Baronda’s request by issuing the travel clearance and arranging their travel back to Iloilo.

Citing information from OWWA administrator Hans Cacdac, Baronda’s office said the workers might be back in Iloilo by Monday next week, although they are pushing for their return before the Lenten break.

The DSWD also provided assistance to the migrant workers while Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana helped arrange for their flight via chartered flights.

The 52 workers are:

Roel G. Piodena Jr., Jon Bon Jovi J. Palomo, Reuben James D. Hilario, Charmel O. Marquez, Rianne S. Orquia, Melvin Barrientos, Angelo P. Montalban, Lorenzo Sumbong Jr., Vincent Montelibano, Raymon s. Roche, John Remer A. Dajay, Darwin Hilapad, Kieper Guantero, Kevin Jie A. Tolosa, Fluellene R. Cabangal, Jerson H. Lemery, BenJay Sujede, Marlou C. De Pedro, Richard M. Perez, Ulysses G. Gaitan, Remars F. Magada, Ereydhin Tagaysay;

Alvin M. Sortigosa, Marjun F. Vigil, Reynaldo A. Simaurio, Rhoda Joy Pastorpili, Leonel O. Aclaracion, Rey Paguntalan, Shem Galampanao, Dionisio Napalinga Jr. Dainelle Roel Secapuri, Kendrick T. Arorong, Archil G Gaboy, Alder O. Jacaba, Arlan V. Castracion, Allan Glenn P. Parreño, Nell Octaviano, Dennis Albert Envediado, Jesus H. Belicena lll, Roselie S. Salaya, Kevin Jie A. Tolosa, Omar F. Hinlo, Johnlery S. Malojo, Frank Arnell A. Hembra, Cyrene Delos Reyes, Josel V. Bautista, Andy Jerosanib, Veg Boy Bachoco, Herminigildo L. Rabago, Nolly Quiamas, Lenold Ganancial, and Martinez Jr.