Bello: Ties With Qatar Remain

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said there is nothing to worry about the cutting of diplomatic ties by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain with Qatar, as the country still maintains such ties with the latter.

“Nothing to worry about. We still maintain diplomatic relations with Qatar,” said DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III in an interview.

Asked if the recent developments on the relationship between the Arab countries will cause a slowdown on the deployment of Filipino workers, he said, “Hindi naman. In fact I am going there sa September.”

Bello noted that the visit would be for the signing that involves labor. “Magkakaroon kami ng signing ng labor.”

He admitted that what they worry about is the impact of terrorism to the Filipinos working there.

“Ang worry ko yung impact ng terrorism sa overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) natin. So I have to go there to find out yung kalagayan nila,” Bello said.

“So far one of the best destination pa rin yung Qatar. Now with their support for terrorist, I don’t know if it will have any bearing on our OFWs,” he added.

The four Arab countries have decided to break ties with Qatar after accusing it of supporting terror. (Ferdinand G. Patinio/PNA)