Migrants’ protection sought

THE death of a Cebuano overseas Filipino worker believed to have been molested before she died has caught the attention of a local lawmaker.

Last week, the body of Denise Colleen Bolay-og, 27, a resident of Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City, arrived from abroad, reportedly bearing bruises and whip marks and a long wound from her chin down to her stomach. Her heart was also said to be missing.

Bolay-og was a domestic helper for a Lebanese national in Kuwait.

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The Cebu City Council wants the anti-graft office to investigate and look into the possible nonfeasance of foreign officials assigned in the Middle East, particularly in Kuwait.

“They may have not been doing their jobs in ensuring safety, protecting the rights of our workers abroad,” said Councilor Edgardo Labella in his resolution.

Strengthening policies

Labella said he wants the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to re-strengthen their policies to ensure all regulations and programs for the protection of migrant workers’ rights are strictly enforced and implemented.

The agencies, Labella said, should also come up with a joint effort to inform the public about the true working situation in the Middle East to educate OFWs and prevent the same tragedy from happening.

Labella said he wants the DFA to ask the Philippine embassy in Kuwait to shed light on the incident, particularly the victim’s allegedly missing heart.

He also urged the Commission on Human Rights to help establish mechanisms of right enforcement under the international and human rights systems, so the death of Bolay-og will be properly looked into and given clear explanation.

Reminder

Labella reminded the concerned agency that it is the fundamental policy of the state to safeguard overseas laborers.

Labella said Article 3, Section 3 of the Philippine Constitution stipulates that the “State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights” and that the “State affirms labor and shall protect the rights of the workers and promote their welfare.”