PRESS RELEASE
Department
of Foreign Affairs
2330 Roxas
Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines
*
Tel. No. 834-4000
* www.dfa.gov.ph
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No. 271; 2 June
2003
REMAINS
OF OFWs KILLED IN SAUDI EXPLOSION ARRIVE
The remains of three Filipino workers killed in the series of explosions
in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 12, 2003 arrived today at 3:45 PM on
board a Philippine Airlines flight.
The remains of the late Getulio Templo, Serafin Hernandez and Rogelio Pababero
in Manila were met by Philippine government officials led by Pampanga Vice-Governor
Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, who delivered a message on behalf of H.E. President
Arroyo, who flew to Korea today on a state visit. Acting Secretary Franklin
M. Ebdalin, Executive Director Petronila P. Garcia of the DFA-Office of the
Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) were on hand to meet the
Philippine Airlines flight as it arrived. Administrator Virgilio Angelo of
the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Presidential Adviser
on Ecclesiastical Affairs Dodi Limcaoco were also present.
Presidential Special Envoy Amable Aguiluz V accompanied the remains from
Saudi Arabia. Military honors were given at the airport and the three caskets
were draped with the Philippine flag. The widows and family members of the
deceased OFWs were comforted by Vice-Governor Arroyo and the officials who
were present at the airport.
Mr. Pababero worked at Jadawel International while Mssrs. Templo and Hernandez
worked for Vinell Arabia Corporation.
The blast also injured a total of 26 Filipinos- 2 of them seriously enough
to require surgery. - END