DOLE recalls ‘abusive’ Dubai welfare officer

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor of Investigation (DOLE) has ordered the immediate recall of a welfare officer who allegedly mistreated a distressed Filipino worker in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

“I have ordered the recall of our welfare officer from Dubai and he will take the first flight home,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello disclosed during the “Laging Handa” public briefing yesterday.

In an order issued on Friday night, Bello also placed welfare officer Danilo Flores under administrative suspension.

He also ordered an investigation to determine Flores’ culpability.

Bello assured the public that the DOLE continues to extend welfare and other assistance for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In a viral Facebook post, Joy Parafina claimed Flores cursed at her when she inquired about the food packs being distributed by the Philippine government for OFWs.

Parafina said they were informed that the Philippine government allotted $200 worth of aid for every OFW affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

She said Flores suddenly hurled invectives at her when she insisted on knowing the contents of the food package.