OFWs Near Yemen-Saudi Border Fear for Safety
SAUDI ARABIA – Filipinos based in Narjan, a Saudi Arabian city near the border of Yemen, fear for their lives following three days of non-stop rocket attacks launched by Houthi rebels.
“Natatakot po kasi kami, malapit kami sa border, 32 po kami, Al Haya Medical Center. Yung iba po naming kasama, pinalipat na po ng aming employer sa main po namin na hospital. May hotel po doon. Yung ibang sister po namin andun na po sila,” said Pinay nurse Girlie Ramos-Bolivar.
According to Consul General Leo Tito Ausan, the embassy already issued three advisories to Filipinos. The advisories urge Filipinos to remain calm, to restrict movement, avoid public places especially military facilities near the border, and to get in touch with them.
“We’re very glad na wala tayong napinsala na kabayan. Inform nila kami kung saan sila nagta-trabaho, yung kanilang sponsor employers, managers, ang kanilang HR para ma-contact natin para masabihan na mailipat sila sa mas ligtas na lugar habang may panganib,” he said.
Another Pinay nurse only identified as “Erlen” said their employers do not want to evacuate them.
“Sana po tulungan kami ng consulate kasi yung employer namin ayaw talaga kami ii-evacuate, kasi po sa salita po nya, ang sabi po nya, na kung i-will ni Allah, eh di mamamatay tayong lahat. Kung pwde naman pong mag-escape, iintayin mo pa bang mamamatay ka? Tulungan po kami ng consulate at ayaw ng employer buy cheap tramadol namin, kung pwede po sila na lang gumawa ng paraan para umalis na kami dito,” she said.
According to Bolivar, the Ministry of Health ordered hospitals to remain open.
“Kasi po kailangan po naming mag-respond sa mga emergency cases. Yung mga employer po namin gusto pa rin kami magtrabaho. Halos malapit na po yung putukan dito. Tatawagan lang po kami ulit kung paano po ang mangyayari. Tapos sa embassy, ganun din po tatawag din po ulit,” Bolivar said.
She added, “Ang gusto lang po namin na matulungan kami kasi po habang tumatagal po ang araw dito mas nakakatakot po. Hindi po namin sigurado ang mga buhay naming. Sana po kahit tulungan man lang kami na mailipat kaming mga Pilipino dito.”
The Consulate promised to extend assistance to distressed Filipinos in Najran.
“We have already sought authority, from our home office, kung maaari bigyan nila kami ng pahintulot para maka-deploy na tayo ng mga tao doon. If you recall, may tao tayo dun sa Jizan at meron din 4 na galing Manila, na pinamumunuan ni Ambassador [Ricardo] Endaya. Jizan is about 450 kms from Najran. As soon as we are given signal we will try to give first hand assistance,” Ausan said.
The Consulate also urged Filipinos who wish to be evacuated to give the contact information of their employers by calling 050 721 6307; (012) 669 2589.