|
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
2 Pampangueños 'mysteriously' drown in Riyadh
By Chris Navarro
STO. TOMAS -- Two Pampanga natives--Romeo Zapata and Narciso Lumba--only wanted to give their families a better life, when they opted to work for a Riyadh-based company for years, but this might not happen now.
After a hard day's work on February 3, Zapata, a gardener, and Lumba, a construction worker, both decided to go fishing. Little did they now it would be their last.
Arnel, Zapata's son, narrated the shocking news of their "mysterious drowning", during an interview Tuesday at the residence of Sto. Tomas Mayor Lucas N. Arceo.
He said the body of his father's companion, Lumba, was recovered by fellow co-workers after a few hours. His father's body, however, has been missing for five days now.
Both of the victims work for the Bindayel and Sons Company in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (UAE) and are local residents of Barangay San Vicente in this municipality.
Surviving family members sought Tuesday the assistance of Mayor Arceo, who took them to the office of Senator Manuel "Lito" Lapid.
Arceo said he will seek the Kapampangan senator's help to expedite the speedy return and recovery of the bodies of his town mates.
Benalfre Galang, senior political officer of Lapid and a native of Sto. Tomas town, said he was given instructions by the senator to coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administrations (Owwa) and the Philippine Embassy for the "fast and speedy return of our two kabalens".
Galang said Senator Lapid is requesting the Philippine Consul to provide scuba divers and frogmen for the search and retrieval of Zapata's body, to be later brought back to the country.
Senator Lapid, a supporter of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), has proposed several resolutions to benefit workers abroad, which include granting of additional benefits, insurance, educational scholarships for family members and others.
For his part, Pampanga Governor Mark T. Lapid said the Provincial Government, through the Provincial Social Welfare Office, will provide assistance to surviving family members.
(February 9, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
Helper killed, driver hurt; barangay folk nab 3