Binay urges OFWs in Libya to go home

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday appealed to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Libya to return to the country.

The Vice President released a statement after receiving reports that three OFWs in Libya were abducted by unidentified armed men at the Mabruk Oil Field.

”I reiterate my appeal to our kababayans (countrymen) working there to please go back to our country,” Binay, who is also Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns, said in a statement.

The alert status in Libya is still raised at level 4 due to the state of unrest in the country.

Binay also urged families of the OFWs in Libya to convince them to avail the government's repatriation program.

“Muli, nananawagan po ako sa ating mga kababayan tulungang kumbinsihin ang kanilang mga kaanak sa Libya na huwag nang makipagsapalaran at bumalik na sa ating bansa. Handa ang po ating pamahalaan na tulungan silang makauwi nang matiwasay para makasama nilang muli ang kanilang mga pamilya,” Binay said.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has a reintegration program for OFWs wherein they can avail of livelihood assistance and other benefits, according to Binay.

The Office of the Vice President is monitoring the situation in Libya in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Philippine Embassy in Tripoli.