Homebound OFW learns of Philippines travel ban at Brussels airport

An overseas Filipino worker in Belgium appealed to the national government  not to extend the travel ban so she can go home and celebrate Christmas with her family.

According to Jun Veneracion's report on "24 Oras" on Monday, Remedios Ilagan was supposed to fly back home on December 2 but she was not allowed to board her flight as Belgium was on the Philippines' red list.

"Nakakaiyak, kumbaga 'yong moment na nandiyan ka na, lilipad ka na lang na hindi mo kaya," she said.

She was supposed to attend her son's graduation but instead, she was forced to go back to her employer.

"Sanay naman ako na mag-Pasko sa abroad pero umaasa pa rin na sana makabakasyon," she said.

"Umaasa ako na bibigyan nila ako ng pagkakataon na makapagbakasyon ako," she added.

Over 140 OFWs are currently stranded in Europe, while 49 are stranded in South Africa.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is already organizing repatriation flights for the OFWs.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News