OWWA exec to monitor Facebook for OFW complaints

A newly installed official of the Oveseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has vowed to monitor Facebook for complaints of distressed OFWs.

Interviewed by GMA News, Deputy Administrator Arnel Ignacio said this would be his first actions after being appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to OWWA in January.

"Aksyon agad, heto ang aking pinagtutuunan ng pansin simula ng ako ay maitalaga sa OWWA. Tulad ngayon na nag-uusap tayo hindi pa ako natutulog dahil nakatutok ako sa mga humihingi ng tulong sa Facebook," he said.

Ignacio, a former entertainer who has performed in various countries, appealed to OFWs who are seeking government help through Facebook to give complete details so that assistance could be given faster.

"Masaya ako sa bago kong trabaho dahil mabilisan mong natutulungan ang mga OFW pero ako'y nananawagan din sa ating mga OFW na sana 'yung mga napo-post nila sikapin nating makuha ang kanilang tamang detalye para mabilis kaming makakatulong," he said.

He also asked Facebook users to avoid sharing videos of OFWs who have already been given help.

Ignacio will lead a team sent by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to the Middle East to to check on the welfare and conditions of OFWs in the region. —Ronaldo Concha/KBK, GMA News