Government Agencies To Sign MOA To Protect OFWs From Bullet-Planting Schemes

Government agencies are expected to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on passenger facilitation and security screening on Wednesday

The MOA will be signed by representatives from the Department of Labor Employment (DOLE), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Office for Transport Security (OTS), Philippine National Police (PNP) and other concerned agencies at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

Under the MOA, the roles of concerned agencies in assisting passengers, especially overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), in cases of prohibited items being found in their possession will be laid out.

To recall, DOLE along with concerned agencies last month vowed to ensure the safety and protection of the OFWs against the “tanim-bala” or bullet-planting scheme by providing legal assistance to the victims.

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz previously noted that it was agreed that if an OFW is caught with a bullet in his/her possession, the OTS shall immediately inform the POEA, OWWA-Repatriation and Assistance Division and will require the OFW to produce an Overseas Employment Certificate.

“Several steps have been taken by the Inter-Agency Committee to make sure that proper and immediate assistance will be provided to OFWs, who will be apprehended for alleged possession of ammunitions or bullets at Philippine international airports,” Baldoz said.

POEA and OWWA will provide additional information if needed while the OTS will consider the personal circumstances and employment records of the OFW in evaluating the case. (PNA) RMA/ANP