A tearful but jubilant return for jailed OFWs

Twenty-two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returned home yesterday after languishing in jail for more than two years in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over non-payment of bank loans totaling 2.9 million dirhams (P29 million).

More than a hundred family members met the 22 workers, all seafarers based in Abu Dhabi.

One OFW, identified as Nicasio Dagsa, 46, was left behind due to legal problems, but will be released by next week. His son, Albert Dagsa, 25, also one of the accused, was among those who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

They arrived from the UAE via Gulf Air Flight GF-254 at around 12:40 p.m. They were with First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and Ambassador Amable Aguiluz, special envoy of the President, who both negotiated for the release of the 23 OFWs.

With numerous streamers put up at Gate 9, the atmosphere seemed like a political rally inside the NAIA. When reunited, the OFWs and their loved ones hugged each other and cried.

Returning home were Albert Dagsa, Nestor Agustin, Mario Algodon, Ildefonso Amul, Frederick Caramoan, Jose Dias, Rogelio Gariando, Paulito Gimena, Marianito Gimena, Antonio Hafalla Jr., Danilo Padilla, Samuel Ramirez, Edward Reyes, Rufino Sawali, Marcelino Silan, Joel Sumalde, Alvin John Tayao, Renato Tejero, Ronnie Valdez, Frederick Vertudez, Johnny Villasoto and Leonardo Zapata.

The elder Dagsa’s wife Lenlen, 40, and daughter Annalisa, 20, were disappointed that he would not be coming home with the others. The family is from Guian, Samar.

Meanwhile, President Arroyo, through the First Gentleman, distributed "seed money" for livelihood to the 22 returning OFWs as well as for Dagsa.

"Ang sinabi po sa akin ni Presidente, huwag kang uuwi hangga’t hindi mo bitbit ang mga kababayan natin. Kaya po binitbit ko na sila at nandito sila ngayon at ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa Diyos, unang una sa ating Panginoon," Mr. Arroyo said.

He said the release of the 23 OFWs "became a political decision, because the UAE government wants to have closer ties with the Philippines. And we, in turn, also want to have closer ties. This was like personal diplomacy."

"I was very touched. It was worth all the effort to see our countrymen with their families, with their children. We are very thankful that they are back," Mr. Arroyo said.

Aguiluz said that the OFWs, allegedly duped by their boss into signing bank loans, were arrested and sentenced to four months imprisonment.

However, the National Bank of Ras Al Khaiman filed another case for the unpaid loans in the amount of 1.8 million dirhams, or P27 million.

Last July, Aguiluz was able to secure an agreement with the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah that allowed the release of the 23 Filipinos after payment of 600,000 dirhams, or P9 million to the government of Ras Al Khaiman.

In a related development, the Department of Labor and Employment said it is now preparing assistance for the returing OFWs.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Assistance will determine the various forms of assistance and services that can be extended, including livelihood training, scholarships for their children and job placements," said acting Labor Secretary Danilo Cruz. – with Mayen Jaymalin