MANILA — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Migrant and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) has expressed hope that the issues between the Philippines and Kuwait regarding overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would be settled amicably.
“It is our prayers and hope that everything will be arranged peacefully, amicably and diplomatically,” CBCP-ECMI chairman Bishop Ruperto Santos said in a statement Tuesday.
Santos was referring to the report that the Kuwaiti government was offended by the viral video that showed Philippine embassy personnel rescuing distressed OFWs in the Gulf state.
The Bataan prelate reported that CBCP-ECMI executive secretary Rev. Fr. Restituto C. Ogsimer will go to Kuwait next month to assist the three Catholic priests there.
“To assist, be of service and help our Filipino priests there in Kuwait for our OFWs, our CBCP-ECMI executive secretary will go there this May 1-31,” Santos said.
The Filipino priests are Frs. Ruben Barrameda, Ramon Atanacio and Alfredo Nicua, assigned at the Holy Family Cathedral in Kuwait City, St. Therese in Salmiya, and Our Lady of Arabia in Almadhi.
“Also to know the real condition there, and to let them feel that the Church is so concerned with their welfare. And how we can be of help and to serve them,” he added.
The CBCP-ECMI head added that the priests also celebrate the Holy Mass at the Philippine embassy and shelter homes, hear confessions and provide counseling.
Santos noted that the government and the Church coordinate well.
“There is common and constant collaboration between the Church and our government offices there, very good working relationships with Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and Philippine embassy,” he said. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
