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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Local Roundup: 50,000 more OFWs want to come home

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At least 50,000 Filipino workers are expected to be repatriated by the end of July due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy, an official said Friday.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Arriola made the announcement before the House Committee on overseas workers as she appealed for Congress’ funding support, citing her department’s increased expenses as a result of its repatriation efforts.

Arriola said of the more than 86,000 Filipino workers repatriated by her department, 21,171 were sent home in July alone.

“We are hoping to bring home 50,557 by the end of the month,” she said.

Drilon slams Gamboa

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The people infected with the coronavirus are not criminals and should not be compared to criminals, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said as he slammed Philippine National Police Chief Archie Gamboa when he likened the search for COVID-19 patients to hunting down criminals.

He warned Gamboa and other officials to be more circumspect in their choice of words, saying Gamboa’s remarks could fuel fear and distrust in the government and police authorities.

“Such remarks are uncalled for. They do not achieve anything but instead instill fear rather than trust in law enforcers,” Drilon said.

“I would like to caution PNP Chief Gamboa and all other officials to be more circumspect in their choice of words.”

No recovery yet

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said Friday she has not yet recovered from the coronavirus disease a week after she was found infected.

“My 14-day quarantine is not yet finished, so I am not considered recovered until such time I am fully compliant with the Department of Health protocols and cleared by a health professional,” Belmonte said in a statement.

Hours earlier, city legal officer Niño Casimiro told reporters he was merely complying with health protocols, but he had already tested negative for the virus twice.

Violators held

An official said the Quezon City government has arrested 99 violators, including a minor who was caught roaming outside his residence, in their intensified campaign that began on July 8 against people disobeying quarantine guidelines.

Retired police general Elmo San Diego of the Department of Public Order and Safety said the offenders were arrested for not wearing face masks in public places.

“We called the minor’s parents to ensure they understand how serious this pandemic is, and that they will prohibit their child from going out when unnecessary,” San Diego said.

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