Philippines to investigate reports of OFWs selling blood in Saudi Arabia

The government will investigate reports that some overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia have resorted to selling their blood to be able to buy food after losing their jobs amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Malacañang said Thursday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the labor attaché in Saudi Arabia would conduct the investigation.

“Pinaimbestigahan na po iyan sa labor attaché natin as we speak,” Roque said in a televised briefing.

“Minamabuti po natin na makarating pati po iyong mga ayuda na binibigay natin sa mga OFWs natin na hindi makauwi dahil sa lockdown pero nawalan na po ng trabaho gaya sa mga lugar ng Saudi Arabia.”

A report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday said the OFWs sold their blood in exchange for 500 Riyal (around P6,600). The OFWs previously worked in a restaurant.

Around 160,000 OFWs, including 88,000 in Saudi Arabia, remain stranded in their host countries amid the pandemic, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs. -NB, GMA News