Of OFW injured in Riyadh kin seeks gov’t help for his repatriation

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines  – The family of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from this city who was hurt in a blast in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last November 1 has asked the Philippine government for assistance in bringing home the injured worker.

Connie Gregore, a 2nd degree cousin of the OFW victim, Anthony Ramos Rallustian, confirmed that the latter has refused to undergo a major surgery after he suffered spinal injury following the fuel truck explosion in Riyadh that also injured nine others and killed one OFW.

Rallustian, 31, single, of Banilad, Dumaguete City was able to speak to his mother, Mercedes Ramos Rallustian, last night, Gregore told The Freeman.

She said that Rallustian was scheduled for operation at the National Guard Hospital in Riyadh during the weekend but he reportedly collapsed. The surgery was postponed but Rallustian has declined to be operated on and is insisting instead to come home to Dumaguete.

Rallustian, who works as a service crew in Riyadh via the recruitment firm, Tsamir Mahna Abd Rahman Al Mahna Saudi KSA, left for Saudi Arabia on December 10, 2010 and was expected to return to Dumaguete this December, Gregore said.

Media reports said Rallustian sustained injuries on his leg and spinal column. He had initially agreed to surgery but later backed out, which Gregore said has left him in a critical condition based on reports the family got from relatives and friends overseas.

Gregore said her sister, Aimee Aison, who works in Qatar, was in constant communication with Rallustian.

While the family was initially told that expenses for Rallustian’s hospitalization and surgery were not a problem as he was covered by insurance, Gregore said what they are worried now is where to get the finances to have him transported back to the Philippines.

Gregore is hoping that the Philippine government will help facilitate the repatriation of Rallustian to Dumaguete.  (FREEMAN)