Kuwait releases four drivers in rescue mission

May 9, 2018

Four drivers involved in a mission by the Philippine Embassy to rescue allegedly distressed Filipino workers a few weeks ago and detained by Kuwait authorities were freed.

This was according to a statement from the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson on Wednesday following a meeting by a five-man group led by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III with officials of the Kuwait Interior Ministry.

The other members of the Philippine panel were Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Bello, former Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, Labor Attache Rustico dela Fuente, and Deputy Chief of Mission in Kuwait Mohd Noordin Lomondot.

The rescue, which was uploaded on social media, led Kuwait to recall its ambassador from the Philippines and to expel ,Manila's envoy from the Middle Eastern country.

A deployment ban by the Philippines has been in effect since February after the body of a Filipina domestic helper was found inside a freezer at an abandoned apartment.

All remaining undocumented Filipinos (under 600), except for those with pending cases, will be allowed to go home -- at least 150 of them will be joining  the Philippine officials in returning to the Philippines, the statement said.

The Philippine delegation and Kuwait officials look forward to the normalization of ties.   Kuwait, on its part, has expressed the value of Filipinos in Kuwait.

A memorandum of agreement is expected to be signed and agreed upon after the meeting.

Kuwait agreed to create a special unit within its police that the Philippine Embassy can liaison with regarding complaints of Filipino workers which will be available 24 hours and a special number that Filipino workers can call for assistance (also available 24 hours).  DMS