POEA to provide on-the-spot assistance to OFWs caught in laglag bala

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) said on Saturday that it would help overseas Filipino workers caught in the alleged laglag-bala extortion racket at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

In Advisory No. 35-2015, the POEA explained that the assistance would come in the fore of helping OFWs coordinate with government services such as the Public Attorney's Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

They will also offer on-the-spot advise, and help link OFWs to "immediate families, friends, recruitment agencies, or legal counsel."

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office in the worker's host country or destination will also be notified of the delay in the OFW's transit, along with the Department of Labor and Employment's International Labor Affairs Bureau.

"[This is] for purposes of advising the foreign principal or employer about the situation. The foreign principal or employer shall be requested to give the OFW reasonable time to clear his or her name with Philippine authorities," the POEA added.

The POEA warned Filipino migrant workers against carrying live ammunition, defined in Republic Act No. 10591 as a “complete unfixed unit consisting of a bullet, gunpowder, cartridge case and primer or loaded shell for use in any firearm,” in their luggage.

"Please secure your bags and suitcases with locks, and make sure they are sealed shut. Please be vigilant and watch over your belongings at all times," the agency added. — Rie Takumi/DVM, GMA News