MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to immediately work for the repatriation of the remains of four overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were reportedly killed during a rocket attack in Baghdad, Iraq Wednesday.
In a statement, Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said the President is deeply saddened by the news and has directed a quick review of the situation in Iraq to determine if other OFWs there want to be repatriated.
“The President is saddened at the news and has instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Labor and Employment to ensure the immediate repatriation of the remains of our overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and the delivery of due benefits to their bereaved families,” Bunye said.
“The DFA has also been directed to conduct a quick reassessment of the situation to determine if more OFWs there need or want to be repatriated,” he added.
Bunye said the travel ban to Iraq remains and the OFWs in the area are advised to take all necessary safety precautions.
“The ban on travel to Iraq stands and our nationals are urged to take the necessary precautions for their safety while keeping in close touch with our embassy in Baghdad,” he said. (OPS) davaotoday.com
