VP Binay: PHL to bring home Pinoy electrocuted in Saudi Arabia

The Philippine government is working to repatriate an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was electrocuted at work in Saudi Arabia in October last year, Vice President Jejomar Binay said Friday.   Binay, the presidential adviser on OFW concerns, said his office's OFW Special Concerns Unit has reached out to the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah.   "(W)e are now working to have Mr. Salmos repatriated at the soonest possible time. I continue to pray for Mr. Salmos' good health," he said in an entry on his Twitter account.   Last month, the migrant advocacy group Migrante sought assistance for Salmos, described as someone in his mid-50s, from Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija.   Migrante coordinator John Monterona said his group sent a formal request for assistance to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).   The group said Salmos was electrocuted while doing his job, and was rendered unconscious for a month.   "Because of his dire condition, he could not return to work and earn a living and likewise to support his medication," it said.   The group said Salmos has been undocumented for almost a decade after he figured in a vehicular accident until his Iqama (residence permit) expired.   Monterona asked the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah to help Salmos get repatriated.   “We hope and pray that OFW Alfredo Salmos will be given a chance to live with his family while recuperating. We are pressing OWWA to immediately provide him assistance and the PH Consulate in Jeddah to arrange his repatriation,” he said. - VVP, GMA News