17 April 2005 – Charge d’ Affaires, a.i. Ricardo Endaya (2nd from R) of the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad and a Consular official ( R ) meet at the staff house of Dawood & Partners in Baghdad with the five OFWs scheduled for repatriation to Manila. OFWs Mr. Francisco Luz ( with arm on sling) Ms. Sherylyn Fontanilla Ms. Imelda Talibao, Ms. Ginalyn Mejia and Ms. Cherilyn Valdez were on their way from the staff house of Dawood & Partners in the Zaiuna district to the Baghdad International Airport on 16 April 2005 to take their return flight for Manila via Amman, Jordan when armed men in two cars blocked the BMW and a mini-van on which they were riding.   Their Iraqi security escorts put a valiant fight against the armed men.

Mr. Luz and Ms. Sherylyn Fontanilla were rushed to the St. Raphael Hospital in the Karradah district for immediate treatment following the incident.  Mr. Luz had a bullet wound on his nape and armpit.  On the other hand, Ms. Fontanilla had bruises and contusions on her arms and upper chest. CDA Endaya spoke with the surgeon who treated the two Filipino workers and gave assurances that they are now out of danger.    The three  other OFWs were shaken by the fire fight but escaped unharmed.

CDA Endaya said the five OFWs are leaving Baghdad Sunday morning for Amman enroute to Manila.  As soon as Mr. Luz and Ms. Fontanilla complete the  medical exams in Amman, they will leave for Bahrain where they will take a Gulf Air flight to Manila where they are expected to arrive on Monday.    The Philippine Embassy in Amman, Jordan will assist the OFWs while on transit at Queen Alia international airport. (Photo Baghdad PE)
 

/jay