Migrant workers honor priest in Libya

AN organization of overseas Filipinos praised Franciscan priest Allan Arcebuche for his help in repatriating at least 12,000 Filipino workers stranded in Libya.

In a thanksgiving Mass over the weekend, representatives of Migrante International presented to Father Arcebuche a plaque of appreciation and gratitude “for sharing his invaluable time and efforts to uphold the general welfare and protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Libya.”

The praised the priest’s “unfailing commitment and leadership that empowered the Filipino community and forged their unity.”

The Mass, which was attended by the repatriated workers, offered prayers for the safety of Filipinos in Syria, Bahrain and Yemen who are experiencing the effects of the so-called “Arab Spring.”

There are currently 31,000 Filipinos in Bahrain, 17,000 in Syria and 1,400 in Yemen. In Libya, at least 14,000 Filipinos were left behind, according to Migrante International.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis said more than  that number in Libya were out of harm’s way as of last week.

The Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration, on the other hand, said 9,884 have been repatriated since February.

Official government figures put the number of registered Filipinos in Libya at 26,000.

Report from ucanews.com