24 August 2005 – Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jose Brillantes warned OFWs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) that gambling or any form of lottery is in violation of KSA laws and that those apprehended face severe punishment under the Shariah law.

Undersecretary Brillantes issued this stern warning after receiving the report of Philippine Ambassador to the KSA Bahnarim A. Guinomla that an overseas Filipino worker, who was reportedly detained for two days by yet unknown abductors and subsequently released, was picked up by Makkah police authorities at the Hegira market near Hera bordering Makkah where he was freed on August 7, 2005 after the afternoon prayer.

After learning of the report, Ambassador Bahnarim A. Guinomla instructed his staff to look into the condition of Mr. Joselito Manifi and directed the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah to ensure that Mr. Manifi’s rights are protected.

According to Mr. Manifi, he may have been abducted due to his alleged involvement in the operation of an illegal lottery, Ambassador Guinomla said.

Mr. Manifi was turned over to Yanbu police authorities who are undertaking the investigation.
Mr. Manifi informed Consular officials that his ordeal has been traumatic and he continues to suffer mental stress due to the daily interrogation he has to go through with the police but emphasizes that he has been telling the truth.

Ambassador Guinomla is now coordinating with Police authorities to speed up the resolution of Manifi’s case.

In the meantime, Undersecretary Brillantes called on OFWs in the KSA to strictly follow the local laws and to call as soon as possible the Embassy or the Consulate in case of an interrogation by the police. END