Saudi Arabia wants the Philippines to bring Home the remains of Filipinos who died with COVID-19

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said that Saudi Arabia wants the Philippines to bring home the remains of 282 Filipinos there, including 50 who succumbed to the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on or before July 4. However, Manila would choose to bury the COVID-19 fatalities there.

Photo credit: tribune.net.ph

Senator Richard Gordon, who chairs the Philippine Red Cross, said that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) told him the concern about the cadavers as well, and the need to repatriate some 5,000 Filipinos there who lost their jobs.

"The Palace commiserates with the families and loved ones of the 282 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who died in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Concerned agencies of the government have already been directed to extend assistance to their families," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

He also said the remains of the 50 OFWs who died due to COVID-19 related illnesses will be buried in Saudi Arabia, while the rest will be brought back to the Philippines. But, Saudi wants them home.

"Meron na kaming ini-schedule na iuuwi sila - yung may COVID at natural death. Iuuwi natin sila probably, kasi binigyan tayo ng taning ng Saudi government hanggang July 4; hopefully, pwede namin kunin sila before July 4," (We have scheduled their return - those who died from COVID-19 and natural causes of death. We're going to bring them home probably, because the Saudi government gave us only until July 4; hopefully, we can get them before July 4.) Bello said in an interview.

"Naka-ready na po kami. Si Secretary Tugade promised me two air cargo planes na susundo sa ating mga minamahal na OFWs," (We are ready. Secretary Tugade promised me two air cargo planes that will fetch our beloved OFWs.) he said.

Netizens extend their sympathy to those who died because of the virus in Saudi Arabia and other countries , they are wishing that the government will be able to bring home those who lost their jobs and waiting for help as fast as they could. Netizens also ask the government to give them proper assistance since they are considered this era's new heroes.