With Villar's help:
Rescued OFW from Bahrain arrives in Manila

Rescued and repatriated. An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who used carton sheets to write her pleas of help in her 'detention' room in Bahrain which eventually reached the hands of Senate President Manny Villar arrived in the country today.

Jennifer Calinao from Tanay, Rizal, 34, married with three children, was finally reunited with her family who welcomed her at the airport, along with the Senate President who helped rescue and repatriate her promptly.

Villar sponsored the costs of her return ticket (BHD195) and reimbursement to her employer (BHD600) worth BHD795 or US$2,117.

"She (Calinao) exemplified bravery and fortitude in facing her predicament, finding a way of making it known by scribbling on these carton sheets which eventually reached me," the Nacionalista Party president 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.

The OFW recounted in her letter, "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.