Repatriation of Gadhafi's 4 Pinoy maids top priority - Binay

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay said yesterday that the repatriation of four Filipina maids of deposed Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi is one of the top priorities of the Aquino administration once the National Transitional Council (NTC) assumes power.

Binay, presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) concerns, gave the assurance to Jenny Rivera, sister of one of the four Filipina household helpers of Gadhafi’s niece.

He told Rivera that the Philippine government will immediately ask the NTC to repatriate Rivera’s sister Diana Jill and her co-workers.

“The good news here is we know that they are now in good hands. We are assured that they will be taken care of,” Binay said.

For her part, Rivera said her family recognizes government efforts in securing Filipinos in Libya, although they are still worried about the condition of her sister.

“We are having difficulties contacting them because of the present problems in communications there. They are always crying, all four of them,” said Rivera, who works as a liaison officer of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center.

“We are hoping that the government will not forget that four Filipinas are still there, crying and asking to help them return to the country,” Rivera said.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) acting Secretary Esteban Conejos admitted that the matter is a sensitive case and embassy personnel cannot just go to the Gadhafi compound which is surrounded by armed men.

“I believe it is best if we just wait until Libya’s transitional government is in place,” Conejos said.