Between Khaddafi and the deep blue sea

Those who are unfamiliar with the character and psyche of a Filipino were at a quandary as to why would some OFWs in Libya refuse to board a luxury vessel sent by our government to fetch our migrant workers and repatriate them to our country. They could not comprehend why these Filipino people would endanger themselves in the face of a raging revolt by belligerent forces opposed to the more than 30-year rule of Col. Muammar Khaddafi.

They do not know perhaps that thousands of Filipinos are defying the Philippine government’s ban against deployment of OFWs to Afghanistan. Nor do they know that thousands of Filipinos don’t give a damn of their own government’s solicitous warning against working in Iraq or Lebanon. Between dangers to their own life, on the one hand, and hunger on the other hand, they would not have second thoughts in embracing danger or even death, if such be the will of God or Allah.

Between the guns and bombs of Khaddafi and lack of food, education and medical care for their loved ones, the Filipinos woul gladly risk all forms of danger, disease or disillusionment if only to spare their families from extreme poverty and want.

Only a Filipino would brave the hazards of wars and calamities just to make sure that their spouses and children have sufficient food on the table, decent homes for their families, medicines for their sick, injured and infirm, and education for their sons and daughters. I am a living witness to the many sacrifices by OFWs for the ones they left back home. They never murmur nor complain. They just keep on bringing home the bacon, without regard for their own comfort or future needs.

In my stint in Kuwait, Taiwan and Malaysia, as a Labor Diplomat, I have met a lot of mothers who are doing two or three jobs for 12 to 18 hours daily, just to send children to college, daughters who opt not to get married, working abroad in order to pay for the debts of their parents, to redeem a mortgage or buy a small house for their old folks, sons who are giving up rest days and holidays just to afford the medical care of sick fathers and mothers.

I have seen all forms of heroism and I have come to know the innermost feelings of the real Filipino character. That is why it is not difficult for me to understand and accept why some OFWs would refuse repatriation even under heavy bombardment by a tyrant against his own people, and these Filipinos are caught in the crossfire.

Perhaps, it is indeed ingrained in the character of Filipinos to be fatalistic about life. Many of us believe that we can die, while simply singing My Way, in a karaoke bar right here in our country, or perhaps die in the crossfire in Libya or Bahrain. If that be so, then it would be better to die abroad, while trying to help our families. At least, our death would be more meaningful.

So, for those who are still wondering why some OFWs would shun repatriation and choose to remain in a beleaguered country, like Libya, Afghanistan or Iraq, we would say: Try to know more of the Filipino character and you will understand the rhyme and the reason for it all. And understanding this phenomenon, you will better understand yourself.

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