Senator Bong Go called for heightened government vigilance and stronger protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid global security threats in France, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, stressing the need for immediate assistance to those affected by violence and unrest.
Go urged the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Philippine embassies to closely monitor developments, maintain communication with Filipino communities, and prepare contingency measures for emergency assistance or repatriation.
“Ang pakiusap ko sa ating DFA, DMW, OWWA at mga embahada, tutukan nating mabuti ang kalagayan ng ating mga kababayan sa mga bansang may kaguluhan.”
“Ang pakiusap ko sa ating DFA, DMW, OWWA at mga embahada, tutukan nating mabuti ang kalagayan ng ating mga kababayan sa mga bansang may kaguluhan. Siguraduhin nating ligtas sila at agad nating matutugunan ang kanilang mga pangangailangan. Huwag na nating hintaying may mapahamak bago tayo kumilos,” the veteran legislator said.
The seasoned lawmaker’s appeal comes amid reports of widespread protests and violent clashes in France, missile and drone attacks in Saudi Arabia, and continuing security concerns in Israel and the West Bank.
In France, demonstrations involving students and workers escalated into widespread unrest, with violent confrontations, looting, and property damage reported in several cities, particularly Paris. The Philippine Embassy has advised Filipinos to avoid protest areas and large gatherings.
In Saudi Arabia, seven Filipino workers were injured following missile and drone attacks attributed to Houthi forces, including the October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
In its October 19 statement, the DFA reported that three of the seven injured OFWs were in critical condition. The DFA and DMW are coordinating with Saudi authorities to ensure necessary medical care and assistance for the affected Filipinos.
Earlier, the DMW reported that four injured OFWs had been discharged from the hospital, while the others continued receiving medical attention. The department has also been providing financial assistance and coordinating their eventual repatriation, subject to medical clearance.
Meanwhile, the security situation has disrupted international flights, leaving hundreds of Filipinos stranded in Saudi Arabia.
The DMW and OWWA continue coordinating with Philippine diplomatic missions and Saudi authorities to facilitate the return of affected workers, including those whose flights were canceled or diverted.
Meanwhile, Filipinos in Israel have been advised to exercise heightened caution, particularly near the West Bank, following reports of attacks against foreign nationals by Israeli settlers.
“Sa ating mga kababayang nasugatan, siguraduhin nating natatanggap nila ang kinakailangang gamutan at tulong. Bantayan natin ang kanilang kondisyon hanggang sa tuluyan silang gumaling. Alalayan din natin ang kanilang mga pamilya rito sa Pilipinas na siguradong nag-aalala sa kanilang kalagayan,” the senator said.
“Kailangan may malinaw at madaling makontak na emergency hotlines ang ating mga kababayan. Kapag may nangangailangan ng tulong, dapat may agad silang malalapitan,” he stressed.
Go has consistently advocated for the protection of Filipino migrant workers, particularly during armed conflicts and emergencies.
In an earlier appeal concerning Filipinos affected by tensions in Israel and Lebanon, he emphasized immediate protection and coordinated repatriation efforts.
“Unang una, siguraduhin natin ang kanilang kaligtasan. Tulungan dapat silang makalikas sa ligtas na lugar at maiuwi sa kanilang mga pamilya dito. Pagkatapos ay dapat mayroon tayong handa at maayos na sistema ng suporta na makakapagbigay ng job counseling, skills retraining, at mga serbisyo sa mental health, at iba pa,” Go said.
He was instrumental in the passage of Republic Act No. 11641, which established the Department of Migrant Workers during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Go authored and co-sponsored the Senate version of the measure, which strengthened institutional mechanisms for protecting OFWs.
“Hindi na dapat sila mahihirapan humingi ng tulong sa gobyerno lalo na sa oras ng krisis at pangangailangan.”
“Kaya natin isinulong na maitayo ang DMW para may isang departamento na tutugon sa lahat ng pangangailangan ng mga Pilipino nasaan man sila sa mundo. Hindi na dapat sila mahihirapan humingi ng tulong sa gobyerno lalo na sa oras ng krisis at pangangailangan,” he explained.
Recognizing the challenges faced by returning OFWs, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 1776, or the proposed National Reintegration Bill, which seeks to strengthen employment opportunities, skills recognition, livelihood assistance, training, and access to credit for returning migrant workers.
As a health reforms crusader, Go has likewise promoted measures ensuring that OFWs and their dependents have access to appropriate healthcare services.
He filed SBN 414 seeking to institutionalize the OFW Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga, established during the Duterte administration, and SBN 1290, or the proposed OFW Ward Act, seeking dedicated wards for migrant workers in Department of Health-retained hospitals nationwide.
These complement his broader healthcare advocacy, including the Malasakit Centers program institutionalized under RA 11463, which he principally authored and sponsored.
Go stressed that government assistance must continue even after distressed OFWs return to the Philippines, particularly those affected by displacement, unemployment, or overseas emergencies.
Reiterating his position on migrant workers’ protection, Go recalled that Filipinos working abroad deserve sustained government attention.
“Our OFWs are hailed as modern-day heroes, and it’s only fitting that we ensure their safety wherever they are in the world,” he said in an earlier statement.
Go reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening OFW protection, emergency assistance, healthcare access, and reintegration programs.
“Malaki ang sakripisyo ng ating mga OFW para mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang kanilang mga pamilya. Kaya sa oras ng panganib, dapat maramdaman nilang may gobyernong handang umalalay at magprotekta sa kanila. Nasaan man sila sa mundo, patuloy nating pangangalagaan ang kanilang kaligtasan at kapakanan,” Go concluded.
