OFWs sending letters for soldiers in Marawi

MANILA, Philippines - Soldiers in Marawi can expect boxes of letters of support coming soon from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).           

The Blas Ople Policy Center yesterday reported that in response to the call of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, OFWs are eager to send postcards and letters to soldiers fighting the terrorist Maute group in Marawi City.            

“Our OFWs from every nook and corner of the world are eager to participate (in the #ogop Marawi campaign). They want to boost the morale of our soldiers. The only question is how can they make sure that postcards of hope and peace from our OFWs throughout the world make it all the way to Marawi City,” Center head Susan Ople said.

Ople called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to direct all diplomatic posts to accept the letters and serve as a bridge between OFWs and the Philippine Army.

Philippine Army chief Gen. Roberto Arevalo earlier urged the people to write letters to the soldiers in Marawi, saying “every act of kindness is a message of support for peace.”

According to Ople, millions of OFWs around the world would like to take part in #OgopMarawi to show their support for the government’s fight against violent extremism. She also asked the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to accept shoebox donations from families and Filipino communities abroad.

The Philippine Army’s Civil Military Operations Group launched Project Shoebox to provide school supplies to about 50,000 children and students and the “Bayanihan para sa mga Bayani ng Bayan” project to provide clothes, hygiene kits and inspirational messages for the troops.

Although the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) has already expressed its willingness to deliver letters of support to the soldiers fighting in Marawi City, Ople said it would be easier for Filipino community groups to gather postcards and letters and course these through the nearest Philippine embassy or Philippine consulate general.

“The DFA and OWWA can pave the way for millions of OFWs to start sending postcards and letters of hope and support to our military troops in Marawi City and even for the families staying in evacuation centers,” Ople said.