President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate recall of a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) employee in Bahrain after a viral video showed the alleged mistreatment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro announced.
She said Marcos was “not pleased” and “got angry” upon learning that OFWs seeking assistance amid Middle East tensions were dismissed by MWO Bahrain staff member Anthony Allermo.
“When the President saw the video, he immediately directed Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac to investigate and take action,” Castro told reporters in New York on Monday, March 9 (local time).
Castro emphasized that Marcos was firm in protecting OFWs, saying: “Hindi po ito ikinatuwa ng Pangulo. Nagalit siya para sa ating mga OFWs dahil sa pagmamaltrato ng ilang public servant.”
Allermo has since been recalled to his home office while an administrative investigation is underway, according to Castro.
The Palace official reiterated that the President’s directive is to help all Filipinos, particularly those currently caught in the situation in the Middle East.
“Ang isang public servant ay hindi po dapat na umabuso sa kanilang kapangyarihan. Walang dahilan ang pagyayabang o pagwawalang-bahala sa ating mga kababayan,” Castro stressed.
The Palace mouthpiece urged that any official unwilling or unable to serve fellow Filipinos with full commitment should immediately resign from their post. (Betheena Unite)
