Tubod, Lanao del Norte -  Eight Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Libya recently arrived in the province after going through numerous checkpoints in their escape route out of the war-torn country.

Libya is currently in the middle of a violent uprising, with groups seeking to topple Muammar Gaddafi’s over forty-year rule.

The repatriated OFWs are employees of United Fashion Company, a subsidiary of United Development Company.

Last April 6, the provincial government through Provincial Administrator Joselito Quibranza gave ten thousand pesos to each of the distressed OFWs to help them in their transition period after a traumatic ordeal in Libya.

“We are very much thankful to Governor Khalid Dimaporo for extending financial assistance to me and my colleagues.  This is really a big help to us especially since we were not able to get our salaries after war broke out”, Joan Love Sarmiento expressed.


Others who received the cash assistance were Christopher Buca, Frederick Cabual, Clifford Gementiza, Emmanuel Elumba, Harold Villaester, Siegfred Pepito and Darven Sarmiento. All eight OFWs came from different towns of Lanao del Norte.


“Our factory is near to where the skirmishes are happening. This made us decide to return home than risk our lives in Libya”, Mrs. Sarmiento added.


Since their work contract with the apparel company has not yet expired, the OFWs still plan to go back to Libya as soon as the turmoil subsides.


Another batch of repatriated OFW’s from war-torn countries in Middle East is expected to arrive here this month.


Financial assistance for these displaced workers is already earmarked by the provincial government ready for distribution upon their arrival.


Governor Dimaporo has also identified several livelihood programs and skills trainings that the OFWs can avail of to aid them in supporting their families after their sudden loss of income. VNL/LAR/PIO-LDN