19 July 2005 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo reiterated that the ban on the deployment of OFWs to Iraq stays until peace and security returns to the war-torn country.

Speaking to reporters during the call of OFW Robert Tarongoy and his wife Ivy, Secretary Romulo also appealed to Filipinos to strictly observe the ban and not to insist on seeking employment in Iraq.   “We will review this policy when peace is restored in Iraq, when its constitution is adopted and security is assured for Filipinos,” the Secretary stressed.

At the same time, Secretary Romulo instructed Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jose Brillantes and Charge d’ Affaires a.i. Eric Endaya of the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad to review the records in order to ascertain the exact number of OFWs in Iraq in the light of news reports that the number of OFWs has increased.   The previous data of the Department indicate that there are some 6,000 OFWs in Iraq with the number decreasing because of the voluntary repatriation and conclusion of the employment contracts of Filipinos working inside the military camps in Iraq.

OFW Tarongoy and his wife Ivy called on Secretary Romulo at the DFA to express their gratitude to the Secretary, the members of Team Iraq and the Department for staying the course in the effort to seek the freedom of Robert.

OFW Tarongoy related to Secretary Romulo his experiences as a hostage in Iraq.  Robert said that he was kept in a small room, most of the time lying down with his hands tied and eyes blindfolded during his almost 8 months as hostage.  He said that he was fed only bread and some raw vegetables, and that he was also often thirsty as there was not enough water to drink, or the water available was not potable enough.  He further said that it was through prayers that he was able to survive, singing praise songs he and his wife used to sing in Couples for Christ so he could exercise his vocal chords.

OFW Tarongoy also recounted his release, saying that it was only a few hours before his actual release that he was informed by his captors that he would be returning to the Philippines.  Robert said he believed the statement when he saw new clothes still in their plastic packaging readied for him to wear.  When the intermediary picked him up at the drop-off point, he said he was so weak that he could barely stand.  The first Filipino to hold him upon release through the intermediary was Philippine Labor Attaché Atty. Angelo Jimenez, who immediately brought him to Undersecretary for Special Concerns Rafael Seguis, who was likewise close by to bring him back to the hotel in Baghdad preparatory to the quick return to the Philippines. OFW Tarongoy said that he was relieved when he heard Atty. Jimenez speak to him in Cebuano because it meant that he was truly free.

Secretary Romulo told Robert and Ivy that they were “an inspiration” to the nation, and that Team Iraq was resolute in its task to bring him home alive and safe.  “The instructions of President Arroyo was clear – exert every possible effort to bring Robert home alive,” the Secretary said, adding that Undersecretary Seguis, head of Team Iraq, had refused to accept suggestions that he return momentarily to Jordan for rest while another officer take over the task of working for the release of Robert.  “Undersecretary Seguis insisted on staying in Iraq to maintain contact with the intermediaries, and until the job was done,” Secretary Romulo informed Robert and Ivy.

At the same time, Secretary Romulo stressed to the reporters that no ransom was paid for the release of Robert from his abductors.  END
 
 
 
 

/epa