60 Filipino workers want out of Maldives Islands

At least 60 Filipino construction workers in Maldives are seeking immediate repatriation so that they may be relieved from unjust working conditions – which include the non-payment of wages and the lack of substantial food and potable water. “They were often only provided porridge for breakfast and as for the rest of their meals, they have to rely on their own catch of fish. They only get drinkable water from rainfalls. Some (have) even thought of stealing drinking water," said Myrna Grimaldo, wife of one of the distressed workers, during a press conference held Tuesday by Migrante International in Quezon City. Grimaldo also said her husband Randy, along with the other workers, have not been fully paid their agreed salary of $300 or almost P15,000 per month since they started working at the Ashley Alexis Builders Corporation in Maldives. Instead, they have only been given cash advances once or twice with the amount not more than the equivalent of P4,000. Rosemarie Velarde, sister of one of the workers, said her brother Christopher had to do odd jobs like repairing the houses of local residents so that they may be able to buy basic necessities such as medicines and toiletries. She said that many of the workers are reportedly getting sick and their employers have not been giving them any medical assistance. Migrante International said that the employment contracts with Ashley Alexis Builders Corporation clearly stipulate that the employees are supposed to receive “free, suitable, and comfortable" housing facilities, “adequate and nutritious" meals or adequate compensatory allowance of $50 or more than P2,400 per month, and free medical and dental services including medicine and hospitalization. And with the non-payment of this money, Elvie dela Cruz Uminga, wife of worker Marcelino, said she “fears" for the life and safety of her husband and her children's survival. “How can we pay the P40,000 borrowed money for all his employment fees if I am tied to the daily struggle of scouring ways to feed and send my children to school?" said Uminga. Migrante chairperson Garry Martinez said the government has known about this issue since July but has “not lifted a finger" in providing them with assistance. “We have also called the attention of the Philippine Embassy in Bangladesh but they did not respond accordingly. Are they awaiting deaths before they make a move?" he said. The Department of Foreign Affairs, however, has said that they have already instructed the Philippine Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh to check on the situation of the 60 workers. The Philippine Embassy in Bangladesh has consular jurisdiction over Filipinos residing and working in Maldives. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration chief Carmelita Dimzon told GMANews.TV on Wednesday that the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has already directed the local recruitment agency of the OFWs to assist in their repatriation. “Yes, nagpunta ang relatives ng workers yesterday and the repatriation unit has already directed (the) deploying agency to provide repatriation assistance," said POEA chief Jennifer Manalili in a text message to GMANews.TV on Wednesday. The local recruiter of the workers is the Mayonview International Manpower Services located in Malate, Manila. Under OWWA policies, the local manpower agency has the first obligation to repatriate its workers in distress. - GMANews.TV