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Filipino Hulan Pandogal Mohamed (left) is seen with other female domestic helpers repatriated from strife-torn Syria as they arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila yesterday |
The 31 Filipinos were the latest batch of workers to be repatriated by the government since the conflict in Syria began in March 2011.
Hulan Pandogal Mohamed, a 26-year-old mother of three from the southern Philippine province of Basilan, said she pleaded with her employer to allow her to return home.
“It’s the worst place in the world right now,” she said on her arrival in Manila.
“Day and night, we can hear gunfire outside. It gives me nightmares.”
Mohamed, who worked as a domestic helper in the strife-torn country for nearly two years, said she was worried about where she would find work in the Philippines.
“I don’t know where to look for work now,” she said.
“But I don’t want to return to Syria. It’s very difficult to work there.” The Philippine government said yesterday’s repatriation brought to 1,743 the number of workers who have returned to Manila since March 2011.
Carmelita Dimzon, administrator of the agency overseeing the welfare of overseas Philippine workers, said the government was offering livelihood assistance to the displaced workers.
“The programme is a package of livelihood skills training and a starter kit with livelihood tools and materials,” she said, adding that loans were also being made available.
About 10mn Filipinos live and work abroad, with their remittances contributing an estimated 10% to the country’s economy. Last year, they sent home $22.34bn. DPA