18 April 2006 – Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Esteban B. Conejos, Jr., directed the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to coordinate with authorities on the investigation of 18 OFWs detained for allegedly stealing gold from their employer, the Saudi Arabian Mining Company, and ensure that their rights and well-being are protected as their cases are investigated by Saudi authorities.

Consul General Pendosina N. Lomondot reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the 18 OFWs, all employees of the Saudi Arabian Mining Company, were detained by Saudi police at Al-Mahd province after the police found, in some of the OFWs’ rooms, tools and equipment used in melting gold, pieces of melted gold, and rocks and soil in plastic bags.

Consulate representatives immediately spoke to the Al-Mahd police after learning of the arrests, and followed up on the ongoing investigation.  According to Col. Salamie Abdullah Al-Sanani, Director of the Al-Mahd Police Station, the OFWs are still under investigation by the police and have been detained because of the materials that the police had found in some of their rooms.

Meanwhile, the General Manager of the mining firm, Engr. Abdul-Jalil Awari, assured the Consulate representatives that his company is “doing its best to provide assistance and protection” to their Filipino workers even if they are under investigation.

Consul General Lomondot stated that, according to Mr. Isam of the Saudi Arabian Mining Company, as of the present time, the mining company could not give the exact number of Filipino workers being investigated for the crime “as the investigation is still ongoing, and everyday, a number of Filipinos are questioned, released or subsequently detained if evidence against the person is strong.”  Mr. Isam informed the Consulate that the company will provide the Consulate with details of the situation when the police finish their investigation.

Consul General Lomondot assured Undersecretary Conejos that the Consulate will monitor the case and the condition of the detained OFWs, and report on any new developments in the investigation.  END