SYMPATHY FOR BORGONIA AND CONCERN FOR OFWS

Saddened by the news confirming that another OverseasFilipino Worker (OFW), Cirilo Borgonia, was killed in mortar and rocket attacks in Baghdad, Iraq, SenatorRichard J. Gordon expressed yesterday his sympathy for the Borgonia family and his serious concern for the safety, security, and welfare of OFWs.

“I want to extend my condolences to the Borgonia family for the untimely death of Cirilo Borgonia. My prayers are with them. I truly feel sorry for their great loss,” said Gordon.

“I hope no other OFW will suffer the same fate,” he added.Notwithstanding the Government ban on deployment toIraq, reports confirm the rising presence of OFWs in that country.

“Apparently, we need to get the message out to all Filipinos who are overseas or seeking to work overseas that there are places that are not safe for them,” stated Gordon. According to Gordon, the purpose of the termination or ban on deployment by the Government is to promote the safety, security, and welfare of OFWs.

“We must ensure as much as possible the safety, security, and welfare of OFWs who continue to work and earn dollars from abroad. At the same time, we must create opportunities within the Philippines so that eventually, Filipinos can find their future not in foreign shores but in their own native Filipinas,” he said.