Administrator Carmelita Dimzon reported to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz that Owwa has been repatriating distressed nationals in large batches following the instructions of President Aquino to accelerate the repatriation of distressed Filipinos from overseas.

The arrival of the 157 Filipinos—consisting of 126 adults and 31 children—coincides with the celebration of Migrant Workers’ Day and the holding of the first National Congress of Overseas Filipino Workers and Families at the SMX Convention Center on June 7.

Owwa is advancing the plane fares of the Filipinos. This is in addition to paying for their stay and meals at the detention center at the Hajj terminal in Jeddah, and assisting the Philippine Overseas Labor Office of the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Philippine consulate to negotiate departure clearances with Saudi immigration for the distressed Filipinos.

Dimzon said the Owwa repatriation division would assist the homecoming Filipinos in clearing with Customs and Immigration procedures at the Naia.

They will be accommodated temporarily at the Owwa Center in Pasay City until they could get transport arrangements home. The children will also be given medical care.

(Recto Mercene)