Tuesday, September 30, 2008 Talk back: The real story By Atty. Antonio C. Cabreros (This letter is addressed to Pachico A. Seares)
THIS refers to the recent news releases in your reputable newspaper regarding the 23 Filipino construction workers apprehended and jailed by immigration authorities in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
We would like to appraise you on the real reason behind the apprehension of said workers.
As reported by our employer in Tobago, on the morning of Sept. 19, 2008, Engr. Jacqueline Fortuna, the leader of the group took the 22 Filipino construction workers and herself to Trinidad without telling their employer Multi Task General Maintenance Co. Ltd. (their employer since June 2008) in Tobago.
And on that same day, they were stopped at the Port in Trinidad by Immigration authorities and their working papers were found to be fraudulent.
The 23 workers mentioned were in possession of genuine work permits issued by the Ministry of National Security of Trinidad & Tobago Republic for employment with Multi Task General Maintenance Co. Ltd. in Tobago only.
As a matter of fact, when they arrived in Tobago last June 19, they had complete and valid working documents. The Immigration authorities at Tobago airport upon arrival found all their documents in order.
Their predicament started last Sept. 19, when Engr. Fortuna led the 22 construction workers abandon their work in Tobago island and went to Trinidad island on the same day (presumably to transfer to a new employer and better pay) where their respective work documents found to be fraudulent by Immigration authorities upon their entry in Trinidad island.
Their apprehension in Trinidad for possession of fraudulent work documents was issued presumably by a new employer in Trinidad.
I hope this will clarify the issues raised behind the apprehension of the above-mentioned workers.
Presently, we are in the process of arranging for my immediate trip to Trinidad & Tobago to assist in any way the 23 workers in behalf of my client Be Glad Worldwide Placement Agency.
