Wednesday, January 28, 2009

January 28, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/146290/OFWs-safe-from-possible-2010-layoffs-in-Saudi-Arabia

OFWs safe from possible 2010 layoffs in Saudi Arabia
01/28/2009 02:52 PM
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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - Despite talks that Saudi Arabia might lay off foreign workers in 2010, a Saudi business leader says Filipinos are still among the first choice of companies in the kingdom.Mustafa Sabri, secretary-general of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), gave this assurance in a meeting this week in Jeddah with House Speaker Prospero Nograles, who led a delegation of legislators and businessmen to the Saudi Arabian city.

Sabri told the delegates that Saudi firms might lay off some workers in the Eastern Province in the next few years but added that Filipino workers would be sure to adapt to these changes.

He also reportedly said that as of now no expatriates would be laid off despite the financial crunch since most of their projects were continuing – which he attributed to Saudi Arabia’s banking sector and "strong" financial institutions.Sabri told Nograles that Saudi employers were generally very happy with the attitudes of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), specifically of their loyalty, patience, endurance, social skills, and English-speaking skills – all of which give them advantage over other foreign workers.Saudi businessmen supposedly value Filipino workers such that if ever there would be layoffs OFWs would be the last to go.

But Nograles said OFWs should not be smug but instead continue to work harder so that they would be able to keep their jobs."Hindi panahon ng tamad-tamaran ngayon kasi ‘pag magtanggalan ang unang matatanggal ay ‘yung mga nakikitang walang performance [It’s not the time to be lazy because those who do not perform get fired]," he said.

The Philippine delegation was in Saudi Arabia to invite businessmen to invest and start businesses in Mindanao.Among those with the delegation were Sultan Yahyah Jerry Tomawis, administrator of the Southern Philippine Development Authority; Deputy House Speaker Simeon A. Datumanong; Harry Angping, special envoy for tourism and investment; and Reps. Nur G. Jaafar, Munir M. Arbison, Mujiv S. Hataman, and Yusop H. Jikiri.

Also with the delegation were Energy Undersecretary Zamzamin Ampatuan, director general Rodolfo V. Vicerra of the Congressional Planning and Budget Department, executive director Jericho Jonas Nograles of the House of the Representatives, Philippine Saudi Business Council chairperson Maria Luisa Romero, investor Jacob Van Der Skuis, businessman Alberto C. Nograles, and consultant Morgan Kisselburg.

The delegation was accompanied by Antonio Villamor, Philippine ambassador to Saudi Arabia; Ezzedin Tago, Philippine consul general in Jeddah; and Mohammad Ameen Wali, Saudi ambassdor to the Philippines. - Ronaldo Concha and Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

Saturday, January 24, 2009

January 24, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/145775/Distressed-OFWs-in-Jeddah-get-baking-lessons

Distressed OFWs in Jeddah get baking lessons
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV01/24/2009 04:05 PM


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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – In response to an appeal to help distressed OFWs by arming them with skills that they can use when they go home, a community group conducted baking lessons to about 40 mostly domestic helpers inside the Philippine Consulate General on Friday.

Welfare Officer Nini Lanto of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said the Mary's Joy Outreach Program was the first group to provide skills training for the distressed workers this year.

She said the group also previously donated a gas range with a tank of gas cylinder for use by the stranded workers. "Here they are now doing wonderful things to our wards," she said.

The Catholic group, headed by their founder and spiritual leader Gus Catedrilla, said that instead of just donating goods, they thought of teaching the wards baking skills which they could use in their quest for a decent life.

Catedrilla said group is also planning to conduct visits for sick OFWs in hospitals and to pray for those languishing in jails since visits are not allowed.Mary's Joy Outreach Program was founded in July 2007 in Jeddah with around 50 members, whose main objective is to cater to the spiritual needs of OFWs.

Catedrilla said they translate the spiritual needs into action. "This is what we call the corporal work of mercy that we will address the physical needs of the OFWs. We don’t have enough treasure to give but we have enough time and talent to share to our brothers and sisters especially to those who are in need of help who ever they are," he told GMANews.TV.

Catedrilla, a 56-year-old engineer from Angeles City in Pampanga, said their service is not only for the runaways staying at the OWWA shelter in the consulate but for all OFWs who are in need of spiritual help.

Fred David, one of the lecturers during the baking workshop, said he was overwhelmed to share his skills to the distressed workers. Lanto said it was unfortunate that not all the wards at the shelter attended.

“There were some who did not attend. We don’t force them to join if they don’t want to. Maybe that is not their forte," she said.As of Friday, around 64 distressed OFWs are currently staying in the center, either awaiting repatriation or waiting for their labor cases to be resolved.

The eldest is a 63-year-old sewer from Zambales, who is scheduled for repatriation to the Philippines at the end of the month.

Still, Lanto said, "I am very happy that most of our wards were very interested to learn."Parapharasing the oft-quoted Chinese proverb, she explained: “I keep on telling them that what we are doing is not to feed them fish but to teach them how to catch fish. By equipping them with skills and knowledge, we feed them for a lifetime." - GMANews.TV

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Friday, January 23, 2009

January 23, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/145647/DepEd-inspects-Filipino-schools-in-Saudi-Arabia

DepEd inspects Filipino schools in Saudi Arabia
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV01/23/2009 08:09 PM

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - With the growing number of children of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) studying in Saudi Arabia, the Department of Education (DepEd) recently inspected several schools are applying for accreditation to teach the Philippine curriculum.

There are currently 24 Philippine international schools in Saudi Arabia – 12 of which are in Riyadh and the Central Region, six in Jeddah, three in Alkhobar and Dammam, and one each in Taif, the Assir region and Jubail.

However, many of these schools do not have DepEd accreditation, prompting Manila to send a team to conduct an ocular inspection.The team was composed of Dr. Yolanda S. Quijano, director IV (Bureau of Elementary Educat

ion), Dr. Estrella A. Babano (regional director, DepEd Region X), and Dr. Ma. Elsie C. Esmer (secondary education program specialist, Bureau of Secondary Education).Aside from checking school facilities, the officials also verified whether the teachers were qualified or not.Quijano said that of the six schools they inspected, three are in the running for a certificate of recognition.

“The others already have the permit to operate but that is only the first level. The second level is the certificate of recognition and the last is the accreditation which can grant them independence as a school, allowing them to create courses without the interference of the DepEd," Quijano said in Filipino.

After the inspection, DepEd officials conducted a seminar attended by 200 teachers from eight schools. They were taught modern teaching techniques, specifically the use of information and communication technology and the new standards for preschool education.In addition, the teachers were reminded during the seminar to instill in their students the importance of good manners.

“The teachers were made aware that sometimes in wanting to make students learn, we focus too much on competencies that are objective and we forget that are objective is to also to develop the personalities of the children as people so we should also focus on values and the spiritual aspect which would both prove to be important to them," said Babano.

“We need to give attention to the development of good manners because it is what shapes the students as persons. It is as important as education. Our image as Filipinos should be passed down especially to children overseas," she added.

Even the Saudi owner of Al Hekma International School expressed her delight that the DepEd conducted such seminars wherein she learned a lot.“This is my first time for me to attend this seminar in Saudi Arabia and I am very happy and glad to have this seminar here. We learned a lot from this seminar. I am willing to learn a lot about the Philippine curriculum that will help me to manage the school with our Filipino principal and Filipino teacher," said Nada bin Yamin.

Al Hekma, now the biggest Philippine school in Jeddah, was the first school outside the original International Philippines School in Jeddah (IPSJ) to be accredited by the DepEd.

Belma Regis, Al Hekma principal, also said that they were very lucky to have taken part in the seminar because trainings held by the DepEd rarely happen.“They (teachers) learned how to use the computer, thereby enhancing their knowledge.

Another good thing is that five-year old children in the kindergarten and preparatory level have been included in the formal education. Because of that, children will be required to pass through the kindergarten and preparatory level first before entering the first grade. - with Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

Thursday, January 22, 2009

January 22, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/145489/Filipinos-in-Jeddah-help-raise-funds-for-Gaza-victims

Filipinos in Jeddah help raise funds for Gaza victims
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV

01/22/2009 08:56 PM

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - Filipinos in the western Saudi city of Jeddah have been cited for helping a group of Arabs raise funds for victims of Israeli attacks in Gaza.Organizer Mohamed Munif, operations manager of Party Zone — where the event was held last Saturday — said he was elated because his Filipino friends are always ready to render community service.“I’m happy that Filipinos are always helping us, especially since the victims in Gaza are not the only ones in need but also those in Saudi Arabia.

Whenever I ask help from them, they immediately come and wholeheartedly lend their service," he said.Which is good, he said, because humanity doesn’t have anything to do with religion or race. He said that Palestinians, especially the children and elderly, suffered a lot in the hands of Israelis.

He said that everybody who attended Saturday’s event donated money, food, and other items aside from paying for entrance tickets. Among those who came was magician Chris de Jesus, a.k.a. Magicris Boom, who performed free of charge.

He said that it was a great honor to have helped in anyway to the victims in Gaza, adding that it’s important to help others regardless of nationality and creed.Husband and wife Bonifacio and Raiza pledged the earnings of their body painting business on that night to the cause.

Other people who attended the event not only enjoyed the fund-raiser, especially the magic show and the comedy act put up by clowns, but also got inspired away into giving donations.

A 16-year-old Saudi, after having expressed his delight over the splendid magic show, pledged to donate some of his toys for Palestinian children.Aya, a Palestinian teenager, volunteered to help by selling books and asking for donations from her family members who attended the event.

Philippine Consul General Ezzedin Tago said he was delighted to hear that Filipino entertainers performed for free while others gave their time for the cause of Gaza war victims.He said he was hopeful that Filipinos like De Jesus would always be ready to help other people in need.

The other Filipino volunteers in the show were Susan de Jesus, Jody de Jesus, and Cierome Hizon, who also performed magic.- with Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

January 21, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/145263/OFWs-na-nasawi-sa-mga-aksidente-sa-Saudi-nadagdagan

OFWs na nasawi sa mga aksidente sa Saudi nadagdagan
01/21/2009 05:01 PM


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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Patuloy ang pagtaas ng bilang ng mga overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) na nasasawi sa mga sakuna sa bansang ito ngayong Enero.Ipinaalam ng Atlas Copco Company sa assistance to national section ng konsulado ng Pilipinas, ang pagkasawi ng kanilang tauhan na si Teddy Y. Arangca.

Naaksidente umano ang sinasakyan ni Arangca sa pagitan ng Medinah at Qassin noong Enero 18 (Linggo ng umaga).Humingi na umano ng tulong ang kumpanyang pinapasukan ni Arangca sa pulisya para mapabilis ang imbestigasyon at maiproseso na rin ang mga kailangang dokumento para maiuwi kaagad ang kanyang mga labi sa Pilipinas.Bago nito, apat na Pinay nurses din ang nasawi nang maaksidente ang kanilang sinasakyan sa Taif at Albaha noong nakaraang linggo.

Nitong Miyerkules, kinumpirma rin ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) na may tatlo pang OFWs ang nasawi rin sa aksidente ngunit inaalam pa umano nila ang detalye.Sa email na natanggap ng GMANews.TV, sinabing ang nasawing mga OFW ay nagtatrabaho sa Mohammad Al-Mobil Group (MMG), isang oil company na nag-ooperate sa Jubail.Isa pa umanong OFW na kasama ng tatlong nasawi ang inoobserbahan sa King Abdul Aziz Naval Hospital sa Jubail.

Tiniyak naman ni DFA spokesperson Bayani Mangibin na tutulong ang ahensya sa mga biktima ng nasawi at kaagad na iuuwi ang kanilang mga labi sa lalong madaling panahon kapag naayos na ang mga dokumento. - Ronaldo Concha, GMANews.TV

January 21, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/145237/13-Pinoys-killed-in-KSA-road-accidents-since-Jan-1

13 Pinoys killed in KSA road accidents since Jan. 1
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV

01/21/2009 02:55 PM

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – The death of three Filipinos in a vehicular collision in eastern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday night brings to 13 the total number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) killed in road accidents the kingdom since January 1.

Of the total, ten occurred in the western region, the latest of which happened Sunday along the road from Madinah (Medina) and the central province of Qassim, said the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah.

The fatality, Teddy Y. Aranca, was a worker of Atlas Copco Company, said the consulate’s Assistance to Nationals Section.A week earlier, four Filipino nurses were killed also in a road accident between the highland city of Taif, about four hours drive away from Jeddah, and the southern province of Al-Baha, said Consul General Ezzedin Tago.

Aranca was on board a Hilux double cab pickup with co-workers when the accident happened Sunday morning, said the consulate.Tago said the consulate was working on the repatriation of the victims.Aranca’s demise was followed by the death on Tuesday night of three Filipino workers of Mohammad Al-Mobil Group (MMG), an oil company operating in the oil fields of Jubail in eastern Saudi Arabia.Supnet identified himself as a medical officer of the MMG’s Kayan project.Dr. Ferdinand C. Supnet, a medical officer of the MMG’s Kayan project, identified the fatalities as Freddie Doctolero, crane operator; Teresito Eloja, a rigging superintendent; and Jerry Pielago, a millwright (one maintains mills or mill machinery).

“The deceased MMG workers are presently in the morgue of Jubail General Hospital. We are now summoning the friends who know them for proper identification of the bodies," said Supnet in an e-mail to community members.He said another Filipino named Conrado Puno, a piping lead man, was under intensive care at King Abdul Aziz Naval Hospital in Jubail for unspecified injuries.

Also confined at the hospital were Indian citizen Afrajodin Khan and the Saudi taxi driver, Fahad Ahmad Shamrani, who suffered a fracture on the right leg and multiple head injuries. Supnet cited witnesses as saying the five MMG workers were on their way back to Jubail Camp 2 at around 8-9 p.m.

Tuesday when the taxi carrying them slammed into a trailer.A picture of the accident, apparently taken by rescuers, showed the car to be almost totally wrecked. It was still underneath the trailer truck.DFA spokesperson Bayani Mangibin said they were still verifying the identities of the victims and that the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia has yet to give them further details.
A report published by the online news site Arab NewsWednesday said the taxi was running too fast when it rammed into a crossing trailer coming out from a dirt road. - GMANews.TV

January 21, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/145285/Cancer-stricken-OFW-in-Jeddah-finally-leaves-for-home

Cancer-stricken OFW in Jeddah finally leaves for home
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV
01/21/2009 07:12 PM

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – A 61-year-old Filipina domestic helper who is suffering from cancer has finally left for home after a long wait in Jeddah.Fely Borlongan boarded a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight Tuesday night and arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Wednesday afternoon.

Vice Consul Lorenzo Jungco, Assistance to Nationals head of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, said Borlongan left together with Nashral Hasilun, another distressed OFW.Both workers sought refuge at the shelter for distressed women workers being maintained by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) inside the consulate compound.

Jungco said that Borlongan, a native of Hagonoy, Bulacan escaped from her employer in 2007 due to a disagreement. In August last year, she was diagnosed to have lung cancer.She said she had been undergoing medication with the help of a friend but decided to seek help from the consulate last November so that she could spend time with her family.

ANS staff Elsa Masa said Borlongan was able to leave early because her former employer agreed to secure an exit visa for her. Before leaving for Jeddah airport on Tuesday, Borlongan told GMAnews.TV she was so distraught because of her health condition and that she had lost what little belongings she had.

Borlongan said a snatcher ran away with her bag containing some jewelry, a cellular phone and about 1,100 riyals just last week.Borlongan and Hasilun were given a tearful farewell by their colleagues at the OWWA shelter, who are also awaiting their repatriation to the Philippines.

As of Tuesday, the shelter, known as the Filipino Workers Resource Center (FWRC), had 70 remaining wards, mostly domestic helpers who have fled their employers either because of abuse, maltreatment or non-payment of wages.The oldest among the wards is a 63-year-old domestic helper who was supposed to go home together with Borlongan, but whose departure was delayed due to some glitches in her exit visa. - GMANews.TV

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

January 10, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/143582/Music-group-in-Jeddah-seek-help-for-distressed-Pinays

Music group in Jeddah seek help for distressed Pinays
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV
01/10/2009 03:49 PM

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - A group of music enthusiasts in Jeddah is urging the Filipino community in Jeddah to continue helping distressed Filipina workers, specifically on how to start a new life once they return to the Philippines.

"Sending them home is not the only assistance that we can give but to arm them with ideas and knowledge were they can use when they go back to the Philippines," said Ed Santos, chairperson of the Friends of Jeddah Music Club.

The group made the appeal after giving out canned goods and other personal items to distressed workers who sought refuge at the Filipino Workers Resource Center maintained by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Santos said he is happy that the Filipino community is actively helping the workers, but added that they must continue to exert more time and effort as more and more distressed workers go to OWWA to ask for assistance.

"Our group will start to find a way to help the distressed Filipinas not only by donating goods, God willing," he said. Santos said their donation came from proceeds of the musical competitions that their group organized during the Eid Holidays.

Ten bands composed of students from different schools for Filipinos joined and showed off their musical talents.

The Crossline Band from the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) emerged as winner of the battle of the bands. Krayola of Gems International School was second and the Beast of Burden ofAl Hekma International School placed thirdKarla Maye Carreon from the Philippine Sunrise International School won the battle of the singers, while Kristine Bernadette Solis from Gems International School placed second.

Among the sponsors of the event were Western Union, Samaco Toys, Pepsi, Sky Freight Forwarders,Gano Excel, Lowell Plameras, Sammy Adora, Rene Palad, Jordan Imutan, Manny dela Cruz, Gerry Relingo, Fermin Vidal, and the Philippine Sunrise International School. - with Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

January 6, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/142831/Mentally-ill-Pinay-in-Jeddah-returns-home-at-last

Mentally ill Pinay in Jeddah returns home at last
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV

01/06/2009 07:02 PM

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - After almost half-a-year, mentally ill Filipina worker Judy (not her real name) has finally returned home to the Philippines from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Accompanied by Kim Guro of the Philippine Consulate, Judy left Jeddah via Gulf Air last Saturday and arrived on Sunday afternoon in Manila.Welfare Officer Romualdo Exmundo said that Judy’s case is not an ordinary one.

He said the OFW was abused, which was likely to have contributed to her mental illness. Despite her condition, Judy has not shown any sign of being violent, said Exmundo, adding, “she just likes to dance all the time, sometimes even posing like a model.

"GMANews.TV gathered that Judy was brought to the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah last May 2008. “We tried to find her sponsor but our information was short. It was only when we found her agency that we were able to facilitate her exit visa," said Exmundo.

Three other distressed workers were also repatriated with Judy. They are Jocelyn Baluyo, Maria Adoctante, and Arnel Mendoza.“We still have one more (mentally ill) worker awaiting repatriation. We are hoping to send her home as soon as possible so that she can get proper treatment and be with her family in the Philippines. We are working on it now," said Exmundo.

Almost 70 distressed Filipino workers with pending cases are currently staying at the Filipino Workers Resource Center, actually a shelter maintained by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for runaway OFWs.

According to Exmundo, one of the biggest problems that’s preventing these runaway workers from being repatriated right away is the Saudi immigration policy which says only employers can obtain exit visas for their workers to go home legally.“The problem comes if the employer of the runaway worker will not cooperate. But we are not loosing our hope, we will just do our way patiently so that our distressed workers can go home," he said. - With Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

Thursday, January 1, 2009

January 1, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/142118/4-wards-at-RP-consulate-in-Jeddah-possessed

4 wards at RP consulate in Jeddah 'possessed'
RONALDO CONCHA & KIMBERLY JANE T. TAN, GMANews.TV
01/01/2009 06:56 PM

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - What’s with the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah that the Filipinas staying at the shelter for distressed workers keep being supposedly “possessed" by evil spirits?

Members of the Filipino community in Jeddah are asking the question once again after four of the wards of the so-called Filipino Workers Resource Center (FWRC) acted like they were under demonic spell two days before New Year’s Eve.

Welfare officer Nini Lanto said it was about 9 p.m. last Monday when the four women identified as Jocelyn Zeromines, Farhana Umba, Fatima Jimlan, and Usman Gloria started getting agitated and hysterical.

The shelter being maintained by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) serves as a temporary refuge for Filipino women, mostly domestic helpers, who escape from their employers either because of they are abused or are not being paid their salaries.

“Nagulat talaga ako sa nakita ko ibang-iba ang kanilang mga itsura at nakita ko ang takot sa lahat ng mga nandoroon (I was shocked when I saw how they looked like; I saw fear in the faces of everyone who witnessed it)," Lanto told GMANews.TV.

In a separate interview, Zeromines said trouble started on Monday morning when one of their companions got angry upon finding her SIM card missing.“Sa bigla pong pagkawala ng kanyang SIM card ay may isa po kaming kasama ang nagsabi na may nakita syang babae na nanalamin bandang alas-tres ng madaling araw ng sya ay pumunta sa palikuran," (When she started looking for her SIM card, one of the wards claimed to have seen a woman looking at herself in the mirror at about 3 a.m. as she was about to go to the bathroom)," Zeromines said.

She said the description that the person by the mirror looked like one of their companions who was actually fast asleep caused an argument among the wards.

Jennebel Cuaresma, another ward, said that she got angry at the ruckus brought about by the argument, prompting her to say something that she never thought would happen.“Narinig ko kasi ‘yung isa na nagsabi na bakit daw nagpapaniwala do’n kaya sinabihan ko talaga sila na kung hindi kayo maniwala sige tingnan nyo mamaya may sasaniban para mapatunayan kaya nagulat talaga ako na nangyari nga (I heard one of them complaining why the others couldn’t believe her story so I told them that if they don’t want to believe it, someone might get possessed, and I was surprised that it really happened)," Cuaresma said.

Zeromines said that when Umba looked like she was being “possessed," she got goose bumps, so she returned to her room. However, she said she suddenly felt her brain being squished while her stomach and chest began to hurt.After that, she said that all she remembers was asking help from her companions to help pray for her.

Lanto said that when she saw the women being possessed one by one, she immediately asked help from some “Born Again" Christians to help pray over them.“Malakas daw ang nakatira doon sabi ng mga nag pray over (According to those who prayed over them, the spirits residing there were pretty strong)," he said.

Moreover, most of those affected apparently lost consciousness during the time they were “possessed."“Ang pagkakatanda ko nang nanunumbalik na ang malay ko ay don na ako nagsusuka. Hindi po talaga ako naniniwala sa mga sapi sapi nay an pero sa nangyari sa akin ngayon ang masasabi ko lang ay tutuo pala talaga iyon (I remember that when I regained consciousness, I threw up. I really do not believe in being possessed but when it happened to me, I can now honestly say that that kind of stuff really does happen)," said Zeromines.

Not the first timeSimilar incidents were reported by a Jeddah-based news daily in 2007.In its report titled “OFWs at Consulate in Jeddah ‘Possessed’ for 4th Straight Night" on Nov. 25, 2007, Arab News said:“Believe it or not, the welfare office of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah is facing a strange problem that doctors said they are not capable of treating: Distressed women workers ‘possessed by the devil.’

“Last night, Arab News and reporters of two Philippine TV networks were asked to come to the shelter for distressed women workers at the consulate and witness the phenomenon.“Five women, all runaways, were sporadically doing weird and scary things, such as crying or screaming in voices not theirs. One would plead for mercy, another would answer in a strange voice, and still another kept laughing like the crazy woman often portrayed in ghost movies.“The apparently possessed women would start running helter-skelter and would need to be restrained by welfare officers and other wards who were not affected.“Witnesses said one of the women at one point ran outside and climbed a balete tree behind the shelter while calling on someone unseen, ‘sasama ako, huwag mo akong iwan (I’m coming with you, don’t leave me).

"The report quoted Labor Attaché Adam Musa saying those “possessed" for each night were different victims, both Christians and Muslims.He said the victims during the first night were brought to a hospital but the doctors could not find anything wrong with them and Saudi government doctors who came to the shelter to investigate recommended that an exorcist may be needed.Musa himself was reported describing the weird happenings as a “paranormal" occurrence.

A report by Arab News the next day said welfare officers tapped Born Again Christians to pray over the wards and the balete tree at the back of the shelter, but the weird happenings continued in the next few nights and later stopped.

As in the Philippines, balete (scientific name: Ficus indica) or banyan is believed by Saudis to be the home of “evil and vengeful spirits."Now normalOn New Year’s Eve, welfare officer Lanto said that everything has finally gone back to normal at the shelter.

She said that they have also reminded those staying at the shelter to not be intimidated by whatever unseen beings they may see. She reminded them that it was important to have strong faith in God.There are currently 70 runaways, mostly domestic helpers in the shelter, Lanto said. - GMANews.TV

January 1, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/142107/RP-consulate-in-Jeddah-plagued-by-possessed-Filipina-runaways-again

RP consulate in Jeddah plagued by ‘possessed’ Filipina runaways again
RONALDO CONCHA and KIMBERLY JANE TAN, GMANews.TV
01/01/2009 05:55 PM

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JEDDHA, Saudi Arabia - After just a year, the welfare office of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah is once again facing the case of distressed Filipina workers who are apparently being “possessed" by evil spirits.

Just this week, welfare officer Nini Lanto said that four Filipino women were apparently “possessed" by evil spirits living in the balete tree at the back of the runaway shelter. The balete is believed by many Filipinos to be home to many evil spirits and entities.The shelter, formally called the Filipino Workers Resource Center, has about 50 wards that houses mostly runaway domestic helpers either because of they were abused or were not paid by their employer.

Lanto said that it was about nine in the evening when evil spirits started to “possess" Filipina runaways Jocelyn Zeromines, Farhana Umba, Fatima Jimlan, and Usman Gloria.“Nagulat talaga ako sa nakita ko ibang-iba ang kanilang mga itsura at nakita ko ang takot sa lahat ng mga nandoroon (I was surprised when I saw what they looked like, I saw the fear in the faces of everyone who witnessed it)," she said.

Zeromines said that the chaos apparently started on Monday morning when one of the Filipina domestic helpers got angry upon learning her SIM card was missing.“Sa bigla pong pagkawala ng kanyang SIM card ay may isa po kaming kasama ang nagsabi na may nakita siyang babaeng nanalamin bandang alas tres ng madaling araw ng siya ay pumunta sa palikuran," (The person who lost her SIM card said that when she was about to go to the bathroom, she saw a woman looking at herself in the mirror at about three in the morning)," she said.She said that the person by the mirror looked like of their companions who were actually fast asleep, sparking an argument between the Filipino women workers.

Jennebel Cuaresma, another Filipina at the shelter, said that she got angry at the ruckus brought about by the argument, prompting her to say something that she never thought would happen.

“Narinig ko kasi yung isa na nagsabing bakit daw nagpapaniwala do’n kaya sinabihan ko talaga sila na kung hindi kayo maniwala sige tingnan n’yo mamaya may sasaniban para mapatunayan kaya nagulat talaga ako na nangyari nga (I heard one of them saying that they couldn’t believe the story. I told them that if they don’t want to believe it, someone might get possessed, I was surprised that it really happened)," she said.

Zeromines said that when Umba was apparently being “possessed," she got Goosebumps, making her to return to her room. However, when she got back, she said she suddenly felt her brain being squished while her stomach and chest began to hurt.After that, she said that all she remembered was asking help from her companions to help pray for her.

Lanto said that when she saw the women being possessed one by one, she immediately asked help from some Born Again Christians to help pray over them.“Malakas daw ang nakatira doon sabi ng mga nag pray over (According to those who prayed over them, the spirits residing there were pretty strong)," he said.

Moreover, most of the runaways apparently lost consciousness during the time they were “possessed."“Ang pagkakatanda ko nang nanunumbalik na ang malay ko ay don na ako nag susuka. Hindi po talaga ako naniniwala sa mga sapi sapi nay an pero sa nangyari sa akin ngayon ang masasabi ko lang ay tutuo pala talaga iyon (I remember that when I regained consciousness, I threw up.

I really do not believe in being possessed but when it happened to me, I can now honestly say that that kind of stuff really does happen)," said Zeromines.

According to Arab News (www.arabnews.com), similar incidents have happened at the shelter a year before.In November 2007, five Filipinas reportedly sporadically did weird and scary things, such as crying or screaming in voices that was not theirs.

The report said that one would plead for mercy, another would answer in a strange voice, and the other would keep laughing.Several domestic helpers also have apparently seen a woman either running towards the balete tree or floating beside it.

Meanwhile, Lanto said that everything has finally gone back to normal at the shelter.She said that they have also reminded those staying at the shelter to not be beaten by whatever is residing there, adding that it is important to have a strong faith, whether you are Christian or not.There are currently 70 domestic helpers in the care of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration office in Saudi Arabia. - GMANews.TV

January 1, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/142120/Multo-nangopya-ng-buhay-4-run-away-OFWs-sa-Jeddah-sinapian

Multo nangopya ng buhay?: 4 run-away OFWs sa Jeddah sinapian
01/01/2009 07:07 PM

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Nabalot ng takot ang shelter house ng Philippine Consulate General sa bansang ito nang sapian umano ng masamang espiritu ang apat na distressed Filipina workers makaraang makakita ng “doppelganger" sa banyo ang isa nilang kasamahan.

Ang doppelganger ay tawag sa multo o espiritu na gumagaya o kumokopya sa anyo ng isang buhay na tao.Pinapaniwalaan na nakatira sa isang puno ng balete sa likod ng shelter house ng Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA) sa Jeddah ang masamang elemento na sumapi sa mga OFW na naganap nitong linggo lamang.

Sinabi ni OWWA Welfare Officer Nini Lanto na nagsimula ang pagsanib sa apat na OFWs na sina Jocelyn Zeromines, Farhana Umba, Fatima Jimlan at Usman Gloria dakong 9 ng gabi.“Nagulat talaga ako sa nakita ko. Ibang-iba ang kanilang mga itsura at nakita ko ang takot sa lahat ng mga nandoon," kwento ni Lanto.

Ayon kay Zeromines nagsimula ang kababalaghan nitong Lunes ng umaga nang magalit ang isa sa kanila dahil sa nawawalang sim card ng cellular phone."Sa bigla pong pagkawala ng kanyang sim card ay may isa po kaming kasama ang nagsabi na may nakita siyang babae na nanalamin bandang 3 am nang magpunta sa palikuran.

Ang nakita raw po na mukha ng babaeng nanalamin ay ang mukha ng isang kasamahan nila na nakita niyang tulog na tulog," ayon kay Zeromines.Idinagdag niya na doon na lumakas ang pagtatalo ng mga OFWs hanggang isa sa kanilang kasamahan ang nagalit dahil naabala ang pagtulog nito.

Sinabi naman ni Jennebel Cuaresma na nagalit siya dahil sa ingay ng kanyang mga kasamahan sa pagtatalo kaya nakapagbitiw ng salita na hindi nya akalain na mangyayari kinagabihan."Narinig ko kasi yung isa na nagsabi na bakit daw nagpapaniwala kaya sinabihan ko sila na kung hindi kayo maniwala sige tingnan nyo mamaya may sasaniban," kwento ni Cuaresma.

Ayon kay Lanto kaagad siyang nagpatulong sa mga born again nang makita ang sunod- sunod na sinasapian na mga babae para ipa-pray over.Idinagdag ni Zeromines na sinasapian umano si Umba nang lumapit siya para makiusyuso.

Hindi nagtagal ay naramdaman umano niya na tumayo ang kanyang balahibo kaya nagpasyang bumalik sa kanyang kuwarto.Sa kwarto ay naramdaman niya ang pagsakit ng kanyang ulo, tiyan at dibdib. Kaagad umano siyang humingi ng tulong sa mga kasamahan para magdasal at ang mga sumunod ay hindi na raw nya naalala.

"Hindi po talaga ako naniniwala sa mga sapi-sapi na ‘yan pero sa nangyari sa akin ngayon ang masasabi ko lang ay totoo pala talaga iyon," pagtatapat ni Zeromines.Sinabi ni Lanto na nanumbalik na sa normal ang center at pinayuhan ang mga distressed OFWs na manatiling matibay ang pananampalataya anuman ang relihiyon nila.

Tinatayang 70 domestic helper ang nasa pangangalaga ng OWWA shelter na karamihan ay biktima ng pang-aabuso ng mga amo o hindi nababayaran ng tamang sahod. – Ronaldo Z. Concha, GMANews.TV

December 23, 2008

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/140898/DH-na-nawala-sa-katinuan-sa-Saudi-makauuwi-na-sa-Pilipinas

DH na nawala sa katinuan sa Saudi makauuwi na sa Pilipinas
12/23/2008 09:46 PM

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Matapos ang pananatili ng halos anim na buwan sa konsulado ng Pilipinas sa bansang ito, inaasahan na makakauwi na rin ang isang Pinay overseas Filipino worker (OFW) na nawala sa kanyang katinuan.Ang OFW na pinangalang si “Judy" ay kabilang sa may 60 migranteng Pinoy na kinakanlong ngayon sa konsulado ng Pilipinas at umaasang darating ang araw makauuwi rin sa bansa para muling makapiling ang kanilang pamilya.

Ayon kay Overseas Workers Welfare Adminsitration (OWWA) Welfare Officer Romualdo Exmundo, nahirapan silang ikuha ng exit visa si “Judy" dahil sa kakulangan nila ng impormasyon tungkol sa dati nitong amo.Dinala umano si “Judy" sa konsulado ng isang kapwa OFW na nagmalasakit ngunit wala na umano ito sa kanyang katinuan.

Bagaman hindi naman siya nanakit, sinasabing madalas itong tumawa at manghipo ng mga kapwa OFW na naghihintay na makabalik sa Pilipinas.Kapuna-puna rin umano ang pagsasayaw ni “Judy" at paglilis ng kanyang damit. Kung walang “sumpong," maaari umano itong kausapin ngunit sa pagtagal ng pag-uusap ay mapupuna na ang kanyang pagkawala sa sarili.

Idinagdag ni Exmundo na bukod kay “Judy" ay may tatlo pang OFWs sa konsulado na nawala sa katinuan ngunit ang dalawa ay napauwi rin kaagad sa tulong ng kanilang mga amo.Pinapaniwalaan na ang hirap ng kanilang trabaho bilang domestic helper ang isa sa dahilan kung bakit nawawala sa sarili ang ilang kababayan.

Ngunit nilinaw ng opisyal na ang bilang ng mga OFW na may problema ay lubhang maliit kung ikukumpara sa dami ng mga Filipino na nagtatrabaho sa Saudi Arabia.“Gusto kong ipahayag sa inyo na sa mahigit isang milyong OFW na nandito sa Saudi ay hindi pa umaabot ng dalawang libo ang bilang ng mga may problema sa kanila.

‘Pag titingnan mo ay mas malaki pa rin ang bilang nang mga masasabi nating happy workers," ayon sa opisyal. - Ronaldo Concha, GMANews.TV