DFA vows to help dad on custody suit in NY

Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople has directed the Philippine consulate in New York City to look into the request for visa assistance of a former long-haul bus driver fighting for custody over his two children in New York.

Ople was instructed by President Arroyo to see what he could do for Cesar Gabriel, whose custody over his two daughters – Yvonne, 8, and Lucky Angel or LA, 5 – is being contested in a suburban New York City court.

Their mother, Benilda Domingo, died last year in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

Also suing for custody are Domingo’s sister, Melita Carr, and her husband Brendan.

Gabriel is seeking an extension of his tourist visa – which expires on Nov. 29 – to allow him to stay until the court reaches a decision. Otherwise, he may lose the case by default, he said.

"I urge Mr. Gabriel to approach the Philippine consulate in New York so that our consular officials can properly advise him," a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) quoted Ople as saying.

Ople had personally asked Consul General Linglingay Lacanlale to handle Gabriel’s request.

However, the final decision still rests on US immigration officials, the DFA said, explaining the department "can only advise Mr. Gabriel regarding his application."

Malacañang spokesman, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, said Mrs. Arroyo had instructed Ople to assist Gabriel after the former bus driver had appealed through the pages of The STAR for her help.

Ople is in New York attending the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.

Gabriel’s relatives were overwhelmed by Mrs. Arroyo’s response.

"Through The STAR I would like to thank our beloved President for coming to the help of my brother," a tearful Fely Barot said. "This is a valuable help that we cannot repay."

Gabriel’s niece, Jemma Simon, said with Mrs. Arroyo’s help, "it’s all the way to victory and God will not forsake my uncle" in his custody dispute.

Gabriel arrived in New York on Nov. 29 last year – his ticket sponsored by the International Red Cross – initially to look for his common-law wife.

Domingo remains missing to this day and is presumed to be among the 3,000 people who died in the Sept. 11 attacks. — Teddy Molina