Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said it would ask for an extension of deadline from the government of Saudi Arabia to bring home the remains of all overseas Filipinos who died in the Gulf state.
The Labor department said it was given an initial deadline of July 4, but was moved to this week because of “pending release of documentary requirements” and other health protocols.
Labor Secretary Bello revealed this during Thursday’s Laging Handa briefing, adding that the department has been making preparations to bring home the remains of 44 OFWs on Friday.
“Meron na naman [There are more]…in fact, yung 44 will be followed by another 44 on Sunday, dadating na naman ito sa [and they will be home on] Monday,” he said. “And we will do that until we have repatriated all our dead OFWs.”
He did not elaborate, however, on how long the next extension would be.
Bello gave his assurance to families of OFWs who died that they will bring back the remains “at all cost.”
“Gagawin po natin ang lahat kasi yun po ang utos ng ating Pangulo,” he said.
[Translation: We will do everything because this was ordered by the President.]
He also said the families of over 200 OFWs who died in Saudi Arabia will receive bereavement benefits.
