Watch: Dayang urged OFW’s stranded in Ukraine to coordinate with OWWA

KALIBO, Aklan- Dr. Juan “Jed” Dayang, a career minister at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) urged Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s) stranded in Ukraine not to be hesitant in coordinating with the DFA in Ukraine. The DFA is based in Poland.

This developed after Dayang learned that several OFW’s that are stranded in Ukraine are Aklanons. Dayang grew up in Kalibo and is currently assigned as chief of mission in North Africa-covering Libya, Tunis, Alger and Niger– based at the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli, Libya.

He said that it is important for OFW’s to immediately reach out with the DFA/OWWA help line so that they could be accounted for. The OWWA earlier reported that they have already rescued some 80 Filipinos that have been affected by the Ukraine Invasion of Russia.

According to the Aklanon families who have relatives in Ukraine, they are worried that those stranded could be hit by incidental misfires. A series of videos filmed by an Aklanon OFW shows shelling of missiles at the Mykolaiv Port in Ukraine near them. The families said they are still waiting for their agency’s information on their rescue.

The Russian ongoing invasion of Ukraine started last February 24.

In a related report, Dayang said that there were no Filipino workers have been affected by this recent explosion caused by explosive remnants of war. Reports from the Philippine embassy revealed that a foreign worker died while eight others civilian were wounded in explosive remnants of war in Al Sayeh Iron Factory in south Tripoli Thursday

“I urge everyone to observe maximum caution in areas where the previous fighting has taken place as the dangers of landmines and improvised explosive devices are still affecting civilian lives. We offer our condolences and prayers to the victims, their families, and friends,” Dayang said.

The victims were brought at the Al-Afia Clinic, where a Filipina nurse is stationed. She informed the Embassy’s Assistance-to-Nationals Officer of the condition of the victims, including the death of an African man and an injured Asian man.