Binay Asks OFWs to Leave Syria Immediately

By on July 22, 2012

Vice President Jejomar Binay asked all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) yesterday to immediately leave Syria amid the rising tension in this country.

Binay, the presidential adviser on OFWs concerns, called on all OFWs in Syria to coordinate immediately with the Philippine embassy in Damascus for their repatriation.

“I am asking all OFWs not to stay in Syria. Your safety is more important than whatever earnings you will get from there. Your lives are important and the government is ready to help you return to our country,” Binay said.

Violence in Syria escalated after rebels bombed Damascus, killing three senior military officials close to President Bashar al-Assad.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) there are about 9,000 Filipinos who were based in critical areas such as Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, Daraa and Idib.

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFAO) meanwhile reported that around 24,004 Filipinos were working in Syria since 2010, with 100 of them entering each month despite the government deployment ban.

Continue reading at Philippine Star