Saudi Gazette While waiting for his immediate repatriation to the Philippines, Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Alfredo Salmos, who was electrocuted two years ago during his job tenure in the Kingdom, has started receiving financial assistance from Filipinos in the Kingdom and other parts of the world. Salmos said he is very thankful that his prayers have been heard and that he will not forget the love showed to him by his kababayans (compatriots). Salmos said fundraising campaigns have started abroad and donations have been coming in from Canada and Norway for the operation of his burned skin. “I am receiving a lot of calls from my kababayans and I am really overwhelmed by their generous act.” He has even opened a Facebook account a few days ago with the help of a concerned OFW, and has accepted a friend request of another OFW with whom he had previously spoken on the phone. A new bank account has been opened in Salmos's name in the Metrobank branch at Salcedo Village in Makati by Ricky Guiang, Marketing Officer of Metrobank, Western Region. Guiang has deposited a thousand pesos to activate Salmos's account and has personally handed over the ATM card to him. “Filipinos are generous people; I am happy and proud to be part of this endeavor,” Guiang said. Salmos specifically wants everyone donating to know that he has only one new bank account under his name. All donations for Salmos can be deposited at any branch of Al- Rajhi and Al-Amoudi in the Kingdom to the account number 083-3083-38805-7. To ensure the safety of funds, only Salmos can withdraw his money in the Philippines or in Saudi Arabia. Salmos, a native of Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija province, absconded from his company before he met with the tragic episode in his life. He was unconscious for a month after the accident and hence could not earn a living and support his medication because of his dire condition. He has a 1981 Honda Accord registered under his name which has been impounded, and his name must be taken off records before Salmos is issued an exit visa. Consul General Uriel Norman Garibay, who is following up Salmos's case, has made an appeal to all people not to take advantage of the plight of the unfortunate OFW. “In the name of human decency, let us not exploit the situation of Alfredo Salmos for personal gain,” said Garibay. He also assured that the consulate is doing its best in bringing Salmos back to the Philippines. An appeal to the Governor of Makkah has also been sent to expedite Salmos's immediate repatriation on humanitarian grounds. __
