Pinoys in Yemen want alert level lowered

MANILA, Philippines - Many Filipino workers in war-torn Yemen are still reluctant to return home and even want the lowering of alert level in the Middle Eastern country.

Labor attaché David Dicang said some Filipino workers questioned the Philippine government’s decision to raise the alert level and order the voluntary repatriation without factual assessment of the situation there.

The workers insisted that the bombing incident at the Defense Ministry Complex, which left seven Filipino workers dead, was an isolated case.

“In our meeting with them, some of the Filipinos said they will be coming out with a letter asking the Philippine government to lower the alert level from three to two,” Dicang said in an interview.

He said labor officials assured Filipino workers that the Philippine government would look into their suggestion, but stressed that the decision to declare voluntary repatriation was reached to ensure the safety of workers.

So far, only 30 of the 1,300 Filipinos in Yemen registered for voluntary repatriation, Dicang said.

“A total of 27 Filipinos who have been working at the Defense Ministry Hospital, where seven Filipinos died following a suicide bombing attack are due to return home first week of January,” he added. “There are 14 other Filipinos who are working in other areas who have registered for repatriation, but until this time, only three have confirmed.”

Many Filipino workers entered Yemen using visit visas but Dicang said the Philippine government would extend all assistance should they choose to return home.

“We will make the necessary representation with the employers and process their exit visas once they confirm their desire to avail of the voluntary repatriation,” he noted.

Philippine officials have designated area coordinators who will help in the registry of all Filipinos staying in Yemen.

The area coordinators will also help in assessing the situation in their areas and work with Philippine officials in addressing the needs of Filipino workers.

At this time, Dicang said, the situation in Yemen is relatively calm.