JEDDAH — The Philippine Consulate General has said a first group of undocumented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) camping outside the consulate premises have been taken to the immigration authorities for deportation. Vice Consul R.J. Sumague of the Philippine Consulate Assistance to National Section said on Sunday that the group consisted of 20 women, 20 males and 23 children. Those selected included sick, pregnant or elderly campers. Sumague said they were brought to the deportation area for processing of documents. The first batch was among more than 3,000 Filipinos who are seeking repatriation and have already submitted detailed information of their work and sponsors. Sumague said 68 more women and their children have moved to the temporary shelter offered by the consulate. According to Sumague, a total of 147 women and 137 children are presently at the temporary shelter in the 4th floor of the consulate. Sumague said the consulate is currently searching for a new building to relocate the campers. Migrante–Middle East Regional Coordinator John Leonard Monterona welcomes the new development and hopes the consulate will do its best to effect the repatriation immediately. “We don't want someone to be left behind; if possible all those who are seeking repatriation may finally leave the Kingdom, and we must give the credit to the Philippine Consulate if they can to do that,” Monterona said.
