The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said it is now preparing to fly home the remains of OFWs, including those who succumbed to COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.
“Di na kailangan ng certification, may understanding na tayo na iuuwi natin lahat sila (There is no need for certification. We have an understanding that we will bring them home),” Sec. Silvestre Bello III explained.
The cadavers will be sent directly to crematoriums and their families will only be receiving the ashes. 301 bodies are expected to be brought back to the Philippines until July 4.
“Mayroon namang statement o observation o assessment ang Department of Health na hindi naman ganoon ka-delikado as long as they will comply with all the health protocols including ‘yung pagdi-disinfect doon sa suit ng body bag (There is statement or observation or assessment of the Department of Health that it is not that dangerous as long as they will comply with all the health protocols including disinfection of the body bag suit),” Bello assured.
Bello said the DOLE will meet with the IATF to finalize the possible process of repatriation. Latest data show that around 68,000 OFWs have been repatriated and 16,000 more are expected in the coming days.
More than 1,000 OFWs from Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, France, Macau, and Thailand are set to return home today, June 29. – Report from Louisa Erispe
