26 distressed OFWs return home from Qatar

MANILA, Philippines - After three months of working without pay in Qatar, 26 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) have finally returned home, a senator said on Wednesday. In a statement, Senator Manuel Villar said that the group – originally consisting of 35 workers –went to Qatar last October to work for an interior decorating and furnishing outfit. But just a few months into their jobs, the OFWs reportedly wrote to him complain “Since we started work, our salaries have been always partially given, until such time when we were not getting any for almost three months. Our families in the Philippines have nothing more to eat." Villar endorsed their case to the Department of Foreign Affairs, while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration facilitated their repatriation. He said one of the OFWs, Orlando Barazon, arrived on May 21, Romel Panaligan and Eduardo Baro on May 25, and Arthur Hernandez, Nicky Aguilon and Danilo Javier on May 27, with 20 more others to follow. Villar said the repatriated workers will go to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration on June 1 to file charges against their employer and agencies. Nine of the 35 workers, on the other hand, have opted to stay in Qatar to look for new jobs. The names of the 35 workers are as follows: 1. Orlando Barazon 2. Romel Panaligan 3. Eduardo Baro 4. Arthur Hernandez 5. Nicky Aguilon 6. Danilo Javier 7. Joselle Gacuya 8. Mar Ignacio 9. Felipe Dichoso 10. Erwin Dolor 11. Allan Delarea 12. Gregorio Masangkay 13. Michael Pedrezuela 14. Bernie Baclas 15. Arlan Falogme 16. Peter Sakballon 17. Danilo Javillonar 18. Joselito Dichoso 19. Emmanuel Bautista 20. Jonathan Javier 21. Arceo Galibio 22. Danilo Genova 23. Sulpicio Ubando 24. Almar Ramos 25. Berlin Sedurante 26. Adelio Ruanto Jr. 27. Marciano Dichoso 28. Richard Ravelo 29. Michael Aque 30. Alberto Reyes 31. Jimmy Rivera 32. Ramil Manito 33. Joemar dela Cruz 34. Rene Antonio 35. Reiner Sala. - Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV