OWWA Bicol’s hotline number is 09499495133. Those who want to directly call the central helpline may dial 1438 for assistance.
Bonnet confirmed that there are 568 Bicolano overseas workers in Israel, with the majority working as female caregivers. Among this total, 117 are from Albay, 150 are from Camarines Norte, 178 are from Camarines Sur, 30 are residents of Catanduanes, 28 hail from Masbate, and 64 are from Sorsogon.
The OWWA officer also advised Bicolanos who have relatives or loved ones in Israel to stay indoors if they don’t have important things to do, remain vigilant, and reach out to the Philippine Embassy if they need assistance.
He also cautioned Bicolano overseas workers against complacency and encouraged them to closely monitor OWWA advisories typically shared on their official Facebook page.
“I strongly advise na alamin nyo po kung ano ang contingency plan. Pwedeng magtanong sa embassy. Alamin natin kung saan ang rendezvous point, where do we meet up. Saan yung ruta palabas ng bansa. Ang worst case scenario is, pag inatake na ang airport, wala nang means para makalabas ng bansa nang mabilisan,” Bonnet added.
The OWWA official also urged Bicolano overseas workers to take appropriate action in case the situation escalates and the government is compelled to implement mandatory repatriation.
He appealed that if the situation intensifies and an alert level 4 is declared, “please don't be stubborn. immediately notify them that you are going home. Because as long as there are Filipinos there, there will be personnel risking their lives to pull you out.”
He also enjoined OFWs to be active members of OWWA if they intend to maximize its services and programs.
“OWWA is a membership institution. Kapag ang OFW ay lumabas ng bansa at dumaan sa proper channels, automatically member sila ng OWWA. Nag-eexpire yan every two years. Ang OWWA membership, nasa $25 US dollar or its peso equivalent or prevailing currency,” Bonnet remarked. (With reports from SAltea, PIA 5)
Photo cover credits: OWWA FB page
