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VP De Castro urges close monitoring of Lebanon security situation
VICE President Noli “Kabayan” de Castro, head of Task Force Lebanon, is keeping a close watch on the security situation in Lebanon, in view of the recent political developments in that country.
De Castro met yesterday with officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to assess the situation.
Ambassador Roy Cimatu, head of the Philippine Middle East Preparedness Committee, together with a representative from the OWWA, is scheduled to leave for Lebanon anytime this week to further assess the security situation, identify the location of OFWs there, and revise the contingency plan, including the identification of viable exit routes should an evacuation of OFWs is necessary.
The Vice President also directed OWWA Administrator Marianito Roque to prioritize the repatriation of ‘run-away’ OFWs now staying at the Adlieh Immigration Detention Center and at the Filipino Workers Resource Center.
The Task Force further decided to maintain the ban on the deployment of Filipino workers.
The Task Force Lebanon also advised the public not to avail of the services of illegal recruiters promising jobs in Lebanon as the POEA is no longer processing work contracts for Lebanon-bound OFWs. Without a valid work contract, the welfare of the illegal entrants might be difficult to assure. (end)
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