Palace’s Mideast team called to address OFW concerns in S. Arabia

An administration congressman yesterday called for the immediate activation of the Presidential Middle East Preparedness Team amid that has been triggered by a rift among key members of the royal family in Saudi Arabia.

Airing serious concern over the latest controversy that could affect thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East, ACTS OFW Rep Aniceto Bertiz III said the PMEPT should be placed on alert to render swift assistance to OFWs that risks displacement.

The PMEPT is headed by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu.

Bertiz said there is a possibility that the on-going anticorruption effort in Saudi Arabia might trigger long-term tension mainly due to the fact that senior members of the royal family have been arrested.

“Our national interest lies with maintaining good relations with our allies in the Gulf region while ensuring the protection and welfare of millions of Filipino workers in the Middle East,” said Bertiz.

He explained that the PMEPT’s pro-active approach is imperative in addressing foreseeable problems that adversely affect the condition, security, and well being of the millions of OFW’s deployed in the Middle East.

“The activation of the Middle East Preparedness Team would help the national leadership draw up an appropriate plan to attain this objective,” said the opposition solon.

Bertiz added that Cimatu has the experience and track record needed to review and when necessary, update existing contingency plans, and look at potential security and economic risks that may affect Filipino workers in the Gulf region.