Five maltreated OFWs arrive from UAE

Home sweet home.

Five maltreated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Abu Dhabi who have been awaiting repatriation will finally be able to come home tomorrow (April 24).

Nacionalista Party president Manny Villar, who sponsored their return tickets, said, "We gladly anticipate the arrival of our OFWs who have been yearning to come home after unfortunate experiences abroad."

The workers escaped from their employers due to overwork, maltreatment, and insufficient food. Three of them have been ill and need medical attention.

They are expected to arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal I via Etihad Airways tomorrow (April 24), and proceed to the Office of Senate President Villar.

A team of Senate doctors are ready to perform medical checkups on the OFWs upon their arrival at the Senate President's office.

Set to return to the country are Lea Malunes, 27, from Camarines Sur; Salama Bakal, 28, from Cotabato City; Bernadette Romero, 38, from Cavite; Luciana Lunar, 44, from Batangas; and Fennie Tiletile, 48, from Tagum City.

Villar has filed Senate Resolution No. 366 urging the Senate to conduct a comprehensive review of the implementation of labor recruitment, anti-human smuggling and immigration laws of the country.

"The OFWs are now considered the biggest partner of our country's economic development," Villar stressed.

Last April 21, Villar also welcomed at least eight arriving maltreated OFWs at the airport whose airfares he likewise sponsored.

As a budding entrepreneur 30 years ago, Villar developed his deep concern for OFWs with whom he frequently interacted, prompting him to start on his own an assistance mechanism for distressed workers.