24 April 2006 – The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that consular officials met with the relatives of the three missing OFWs, which is the subject of an on-going investigation by the Janoobiyah Intelligence Police.

In his report on 22 April 2006, Consul General Pendosina N. Lomondot said he and his consular staff discussed with the relatives (wives, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, uncles and cousins) currently residing in Jeddah on the status of the police investigation into the missing OFWs.   Consul General Lomondot also informed the Department and the relatives that seven (7) OFWs allegedly admitted before the Janoobiyah Intelligence Police their involvement in the killing of three (3) other OFWs.  The Consul General said the police investigators have detained the seven OFWs for further investigation on the crime.

At the same time, Consul General Lomondot relayed the request of the relatives not to disclose the names of the missing OFWs to respect their right to privacy.

As the police focus the investigation on the seven OFWs, the Consul General further reported that the Janoobiyah Intelligence Office has released some fourteen OFWs to their respective employers or sponsors after the interrogation showed that these OFWs had no involvement in the crime.

The Consulate General is also communicating with the employers or sponsors of the seven OFWs suspected of committing the offense. END