Cyclists’ ramming not related to spat

According to the Philippine Embassy, they see no correlation between this incident and the current issue of the visa and deployment bans being discussed

There is no correlation between the incident that left 11 Filipinos injured along the Arabian Gulf Road and the bilateral issues of the Philippines and Kuwait, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Sunday.

In a text message to Daily Tribune, DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Affairs Eduardo de Vega quoted the initial report from the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.

“According to the Philippine Embassy, they see no correlation between this incident and the current issue about the visa and deployment bans being discussed,” De Vega said.

The Philippines and Kuwait are currently in a deadlock after the latter refuses to lift the suspension of visas for Filipinos in their country despite efforts from Philippine officials to resolve the issue.

The visa suspension order was attributed to the establishment of an emergency shelter for distressed overseas Filipino workers in the Gulf state.

Frequent accidents

De Vega noted that road accidents involving bicycles in Kuwait have been frequent over the years, adding that this is not an isolated case.

He noted that there were minor to serious injuries caused to 11 Filipino bikers.

“The Embassy visited the two hospitals where they were taken to ascertain their condition and offer assistance,” he said.

Of the 11 Filipino bikers, seven were discharged after treatment and were able to give their statements at the Maidan Hawally Police Station.

“They were assisted by lawyers hired by the Embassy,” he said.

The official noted that aside from the seven, two of the Filipinos are still under observation for back injuries while two others have been admitted for treatment: One in the ICU for head trauma and brain edema and one more (a female) being treated for fractures to ribs and vertebrae.

The perpetrator, who was the driver of the SUV that hit the Filipino cyclists, surrendered to the police and is now under investigation.

“The Ministry of Interior says that all necessary legal measures will be taken against him,” De Vega said.

At the moment, he said police are checking the camera footage and other evidence.

“If the actions of the perpetrator are deemed intentional, the charges will be upgraded to a felony,” he said.