6th OFW dies in Jeddah 'Tent City' - Migrante

MANILA, Philippines - Another stranded overseas Filipino worker (OFW), who has been staying at the "Tent City" in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, died after an asthma attack last Sunday, a migrants' rights group said Tuesday.

Migrante-Middle East and North Africa coordinator John Monterona identified the OFW as Louie Bedaho Belista, 36, of Nueva Vizcaya.

Quoting a report from Migrante-Jeddah, Monterona said Belista died inside the Tent City at around 11:30 p.m. Sunday.

He said Belista, a nurse, has been helping fellow stranded OFWS at the Tent City since April.

Migrante-Jeddah chairperson Marlon Gatdula said Belista was confined twice in a hospital in Jeddah, but was not given proper medical attention.

"His remains lie at King Fahad Hospital morgue. His kin was already informed by our Migrante official. Prior to his death, Mr. Belista sought assistance from Migrante after he complained no medical assistance from Philippine consulate and labor officials," Gatdula said.

Migrante said that Belista is the 6th OFW to have died at the Tent City in Jeddah.

Monterona said they have repeatedly warned the Philippine government and its consulate in Jeddah to fast-track the repatriation of stranded OFWs especially those with children, women and those who are old and sick.

Migrante said there are at least 400 stranded OFWs in Jeddah who are asking help from the government for their repatriation.