Pinoy priest in Libya lauded for helping OFWs during crisis

A Filipino priest who played a key role in repatriating some Filipino workers from strife-torn Libya earlier this year was lauded for his work. Franciscan priest Allan Arcebuche was feted at a thanksgiving Mass over the weekend by militant overseas Filipino worker advocacy group Migrante International. “[We cite him] for sharing his invaluable time and efforts to uphold the general welfare and protection of overseas Filipino workers in Libya," the group said, according to a report posted on the Union of Catholic Asian News website. Migrante also praised Arcebuche’s “unfailing commitment and leadership that empowered the Filipino community and forged their unity." During last weekend’s Mass, repatriated workers offered prayers for the safety of Filipinos in Syria, Bahrain, and Yemen who are experiencing the effects of the so-called “Arab Spring." There are currently 31,000 Filipinos in Bahrain, 17,000 in Syria, and 1,400 in Yemen. In Libya, at least 14,000 Filipinos were left behind, according to Migrante. Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration records showed that 9,884 have been repatriated from Libya since February. Official government figures put the number of registered Filipinos in Libya at 26,000. “We are worried because as in Libya before, the [Department of Foreign Affairs] is stating that Filipinos are ‘relatively safe,’ yet they have already issued travel advisories warning Filipino nationals from traveling to these countries," said Migrante head Garry Martinez. The Philippine government had earlier issued travel and deployment bans in Bahrain, Yemen, and Syria. — JE, GMA News