Statement of
The Honorable ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

On Strengthening Cooperation for the Repatriation of Filipinos

1 November 2006

    The safety, security and continued well-being of Filipinos overseas are of paramount concern to the Philippine Government.

    Together with our partners in the international community, we are committed to further strengthening measures that will ensure the welfare of our nationals wherever they may be.

    Today, an estimated 136 Filipinos are scheduled to arrive in Zamboanga City from Malaysia.  Their return, a part of the regular repatriation program of the Malaysian Government, reunites migrant Filipinos with their families.

    The Philippines and Malaysian Governments have convened twice and alternately hosted the RP-Malaysia Working Group Meeting (WGM) which established guidelines and procedures for repatriation.  These include an agreement to provide access to health facilities to returning Filipinos and to repatriate only those who are fit to travel.

    As a continuing forum, the WGM periodically reviews these guidelines and procedures and sustains bilateral efforts aimed at providing adequate and humane services and preventing the occurrence of untoward incidents during repatriations.

    In addition to the WGM, high-level visits are likewise being conducted by appropriate government officials and agencies to further intensify cooperation between the Philippines and Malaysia.  These form part of the Philippine Government’s multi-pronged efforts on repatriation.

    This week, a six member delegation from the House of Representatives led by Representative Nur Gaspar Jafaar of Tawi-tawi is undertaking a visit to Malaysia. 

    We continue to work closely with the Malaysian Government - through diplomacy, coordination and meaningful dialogue - to further improve the implementation of both short and long term mutually-agreed repatriation mechanisms. End

/epa

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