Migrantes scores absence of RP officials when 9 Pinoys docked in Mauritius

News Release

November 6, 2007

For reference:  Connie Bragas-Regalado, Chairperson (0927-215-7392)

 

Following reports that the 9 Filipinos who took over a Taiwanese vessel are now detained in a Mauritius Police Station, Migrante International today scored the absence of any Philippine official during their arrival. “It’s certainly alarming that the Arroyo administration couldn’t even fulfill the simple request of the 9 Pinoys for a Philippine government official to be present at the dock when they arrive in Mauritius — especially since there was sufficient time to dispatch with haste no less than VP Noli de Castro if this administration was sincere in ensuring justice for these Filipinos,”  says Connie Bragas-Regalado, Migrante International Chairperson.   The Taiwanese vessel with the 9 Filipinos reportedly arrived in Mauritius around 6pm today.  In an earlier interview, the Filipino crew’s leader, Roderick Sumang said they requested that RP Vice Consul Bernadette Mendoza, from RP’s Nairobi post, to be present when they dock, so that she could explain to authorities the reasons for their actions. The nine Filipino crew members who took over a Taiwanese fishing vessel said they only did it because they were allegedly being maltreated, hardly fed and poorly paid.  “So far, all we have witnessed from this administration are mere posturings and speculations about how the Mauritius government will treat the 9 Filipinos.  Has the Arroyo administration lost all backbone when it comes to firmly standing up for the rights of overseas Filipino workers?”  she added. “The plight of the 9 Filipinos illustrates the cruel and unforgiving conditions our compatriots abroad are drawn against.  Plying the world’s oceans while away from their families is enough heartrending an experience. Couple this agonizing fact with abuse and maltreatment; anybody will surely end up as ‘mutineers’,” said Bragas-Regalado as she gave emphasis that the nine Filipinos should be viewed not as tormentors but as victims. “Migrante International demands that a government task force be created and immediately deployed to the area.  Their job would be to intervene in behalf of our compatriots in distress and to make sure that all legal assistance is granted them” she said.  “But given the Arroyo administration’s miserable track record when it comes to genuinely assisting the majority of OFWs in distress, we’re not surprised that when the 9 Filipinos arrived, no Philippine official was there to welcome them.  We hope this is not another of the many cases of ‘too late the self-proclaimed hero’,” she concluded. #