OFWs join support drive for embattled troops in Marawi

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are willing to participate in the drive to boost the morale of the soldiers fighting members of the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City, an OFW advocate said Monday.

"Our OFWs from every nook and corner of the world are eager to participate," said Susan Ople, president of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center. "They want to boost the morale of our soldiers."

She was referring to the military leadership's call for the public to show their support to the government's fight against violent extremism and to the embattled troops in Marawi City.

For this, Ople urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to instruct all diplomatic posts to accept postcards and letters written by OFWs for the embattled soldiers.

"We urge the DFA through its diplomatic posts to serve as a bridge between our OFWs and the Philippine Army," she said.

In calling on the public to send letters to military troops fighting the Maute group in Marawi City, Philippine Army chief Maj. Gen. Roberto Arevalo said "every act of kindness is a message of support for peace."

Ople likewise asked the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration to accept shoebox donations from OFW families and Filipino communities abroad.

"The DFA and OWWA can pave the way for millions of OFWs to start sending postcards and letters of hope and support to our military troops in Marawi City and even for the families staying in evacuation areas," she said. —KBK, GMA News