PNP urged to secure returning OFWs

MANILA, Philippines - San Juan City Rep. Joseph Victor Ejercito urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday to ensure the safety of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

He made the call in anticipation of the heavy influx of Filipino expatriates this month.

He said the PNP should have personnel whose specific job is to keep a close watch on returning OFWs from the airport to their destinations.

He said it is not uncommon to hear of Filipino returnees being molested, robbed or even murdered.

Ejercito recalled the case of a female OFW who was murdered and whose body was stuffed in a suitcase that was dumped at the airport parking area.

He urged the PNP and other concerned agencies, including the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, to set up help desks at the airport, in seaports and bus terminals to help OFWs and other travelers.

Personnel of these agencies should be visible in these ports and terminals to deter crime, he said.

“This is the time to show our concern for our returning compatriots, whose remittances keep our economy afloat. The least we can do is ensure their safety in their own country,” he said.

He said criminal elements consider OFWs as favorite targets because they bring home money.

He added that family and friends who pick up returning relatives should be wary of carjackers and other criminal elements.– Non Alquitran