Fate of 2 Cebuana OFWs in Lebanon still uncertain

The fate of two Cebuana workers in Lebanon remained uncertain, as their families in Cebu called on the government, through Migrante International, to facilitate their immediate repatriation.

The two overseas Filipino workers from Cebu are Ma. Eva Alota and Dehbra Lao-Pangan, whose latest reports of their conditions were somehow confusing.

A third one, Lydia Gumilao, had good news for her family here after she called last week informing that her employer would be migrating to Italy and would bring her along.

The families of Alota and Pang-an received updates of the OFWs in Lebanon but they have been worried because it was not determined yet if they are on safer place at this time.

The relatives already sought the help of Migrante in requesting a government agency responsible for information and repatriation of the OFWs.

In the case of Alota, she reportedly phoned her family last week in Bantayan town informing them that she and her employer were able to move to a new building after they survived a bomb attack that destroyed her employer's house.

Despite the dangerous situation, Alota said she did not leave her employer because he has been nice to her and recently bought "things" for her.

But her family doubted her statement because she confided several times in the past that her employer attempted to rape her on several occasions.

Romeo Alota, elder brother of Eva, said his sister called him up before and disclosed that her male employer had sexually harassed her by hugging and threatening to harm her if ever she squeals.

"We are much worried now because, with the war, her employer is free to do whatever he wants on her," Romeo said in earlier interview.

On the other hand, the relatives of Pang-an were surprised but relieved to see her on national television as among those OFWs evacuated to the Our Lady of Miraculous Church convent in Lebanon.

Rustico Lao, father of Dehbra, said there was no more news about her after she last called on July 9. The family has been monitoring the news and was happy to see her on television but still they were not sure if she could be among those who would be repatriated.

Migrante chairman Ritchie Nellas said his group has continued to give assistance to the families of affected OFWs, especially in urging the government for their immediate repatriation. Until now, the government has no concrete plans on this matter, he said. - Wenna A. Berondo