Reconcile records on OFWs, Aquino orders

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III has ordered concerned government agencies to reconcile their records on overseas Filipino workers, especially those in Libya, according to a report on Radyo Inquirer.

The report said Aquino gave the order to the Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas and Employment Administration, and Bureau of Immigration.

Aquino expressed dismay at the different data these agencies have on OFWs and said that there was a need to reconcile them to make it easier for the government to track down these workers and provide aid, especially in strife-torn countries like Libya.

Aquino was also quoted as saying that the government was spending two million euros to rent a ship that would ferry OFWs out of conflict areas.

He cited that it has become increasingly difficult to enter Libyan ports, for example, ever since the allies launched air strikes on the country. (report from Jaemie Quinto, DZIQ-Radyo Inquirer)