25 January 2005 – Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Mariano A. Dumia, acting on instructions by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, reported to the DFA that they are continuing efforts to ascertain the whereabouts of missing OFW Suelito C. Leong, as local Saudi police intensify their own search.  The 40-year old Mr. Leong has not returned to his office after he was sent on a work-related assignment on the morning of 11 January 2005.  Mr. Leong had been working as a power technician for Detecon Al Saudia Co., (DETASAD) Ltd. for eight years (please see official DFA press release no. SFA-AGR-942-05 dated 24 January 2005 for more information).

For his part, Philippine Ambassador to KSA Bahnarim A. Guinomla sent Mr. Lauzon, an Embassy representative, to interview Mr. Leong’s Filipino co-workers and ask about Mr. Leong’s background, as well as his actions before 11 January 2005 as this information might help in locating him.

Philippine Embassy officials in KSA are also coordinating with police officers assigned to the case, who informed the Embassy that they are now looking into the phone calls Mr. Leong made and received in the days before 11 January 2005 as these may help in the investigation.   The Philippine Embassy has also extended its search by inquiring with the Riyadh Narcotics Police.

The Embassy is awaiting any information from the police authorities regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Leong. END
 
 
 

/bjg