Marcos enraged after MWO staff berated OFWs in Bahrain
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. voiced his frustration after a staff from the Migrant Workers Office appeared to show disrespectful behavior towards overseas Filipino workers seeking help.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that Marcos has now ordered an investigation of the incident involving MWO employee Anthony Allermo.
"Hindi po ito ikinatuwa ng pangulo. Nagalit siya para sa ating mga OFWs dahil sa pagmamaltrato ng ilang public servant," she said.
The incident, which has since gone viral after video clips circulated on social media, showed OFWs who came to get cash assistance being turned away by the supposed staff member outside the Philippine migrant workers' office in Bahrain.
While the workers were heard lamenting that they came from far areas to get financial aid, the staff told them that they could no longer entertain them as the distribution had ended.
"Tapos na po ha, hindi na kayo ma-e-entertain. Tapos na po ang ayuda. Magsumbong na kayo sa mga gusto ninyong pagsumbungan. Ang Manila ho ang nagsasabi walang pondo. Sige i-record n’yo, kahit magsumbong pa kayo sa Pilipinas," the employee said.
Following this, Castro said that the staff member has now been recalled as ordered by Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
"Sa ngayon ay ni-recall na si Allermo sa kanyang home office habang nagpapatuloy ang administrative investigation laban sa kanya," she said.
"Ang isang public servant ay hindi po dapat na umabuso sa kanilang kapangyarihan. Walang dahilan ang pagyayabang o pagwawalang-bahala sa ating mga kababayan," she added.
According to her, Marcos is urging government agencies to extend full support to OFWs, especially those who are affected by the tensions in the Middle East.
Conflict in the region escalated after Israel, with support from the United States, carried out airstrikes on Iran on Feb. 28 that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The resulting retaliatory attacks have destabilized the region and rattled global markets.
More than 400 Filipinos have returned to the Philippines since the conflict began. If you need assistance, here is a list of Emergency contact numbers for Pinoys in the Middle East. (with reports from Helen M. Flores)
