Press Release
September 29, 2008

Cry from Bahrain heard:
Villar intercedes to rescue, repatriate OFW

A distressed overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who wrote her pleas for help on pieces of torn carton in her 'detention' room in Bahrain and dropped them from a small window which eventually reached the hands of Senate President Manny Villar, has been rescued.

Jennifer Calinao from Tanay, Rizal, 34, married with three children, is looking forward to her reunification with her family and loved ones as she arrives in Manila tomorrow (Sept. 30).

Aside from helping in rescue efforts, Villar is likewise sponsoring the costs of her return ticket (BHD195) and reimbursement to her sponsor (BHD600) worth BHD795 or US$2,117.

"We earnestly look forward to the arrival of our rescued OFW Jennifer Calinao as we seek to ensure her safety until she reunites with her family here, Villar said.

Calinao was detained by her recruiter in Bahrain and asked to pay US$2,000 for her freedom or work for two years without pay to cover her deployment costs.

In her letter, the OFW stated, "Hirap ako dito sa loob, napakainit, hindi ako nakakatulog, para akong nakakulong sa bartolina. Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko sa buhay ko. Nauubos na ang luha ko sa loob na ito sa kaiiyak pero wala naman akong magawa para makatakas dito."

It was a kind-hearted Filipina who picked up Calinao's letters and brought them to the embassy and eventually to Senate President Villar who was in Bahrain at that time, on his way to Jordan.

Villar personally advised Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain Eduardo Pablo Maglaya and Consul General Jose dela Rosa Burgos to immediately rescue the distressed OFW which they did.

To her surprise, Calinao was turned over to the Philippine embassy after five days in detention. She arrived in Bahrain on Aug. 20 and was employed for a month during which she would collapse due to overwork. The OFW was eventually turned over to her agent who arbitrarily locked her up.

The Senate President, who has personally kept Calinao's letters as a memento of his efforts to help OFWs in distress, said he is looking forward to helping rescue more OFWs like Calinao with the help of the embassies and consulates and conscientious citizens.

Sponsored by Villar, 10 more OFWs from Bahrain are set to arrive in Manila in the next two weeks. Most of them are sick, and mothers with infants, who are among Villar's priority in repatriation.

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