By Junex Doronio

MANILA – In a tragic turn of events amid the unexpected flooding in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — the worst in 75 years — Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed on Sunday (21 April 2024)  that three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) lost their lives while two sustained severe injuries.

Cacdac stated that arrangements are underway for the repatriation of the two OFWs’ remains.

“No specific date has been set yet. However, given our past experiences in the UAE, they are known for their expedited document processing… On the DMW side, our labor counterparts there are easily accessible… Setting a date is challenging, but it’s highly probable that all three will be brought home this month,” the DMW OIC added.

Meanwhile, two Filipinos involved in vehicular accidents during the UAE floods are currently recovering in an undisclosed hospital.

Cacdac mentioned that the two Filipinos were initially in the intensive care unit (ICU) but are now “on the path to recovery.”

“They were involved in vehicular accidents. They have already been visited and assured of government assistance, in line with the directives of our President,” Cacdac stated in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.

He further noted that the floods in the UAE are receding, with normalcy gradually returning to the daily lives of its residents.

The DMW highlighted that despite approximately 650,000 Filipinos in Dubai, none have requested repatriation thus far, despite the floods caused by the heaviest rains in 75 years, a phenomenon attributed by experts to climate change.

(el Amigo/MNM)

Ana

Ana Fed

News/national

PANGANDAMAN CONDEMNS SCAMMERS USING DBM

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — DBM Secretary Mina Pangandaman has expressed outrage over the deceptive tactics of scammers posing as representatives of the Department of Budget and Management.

Pangandaman strongly denounced the fraudulent scheme of soliciting money in exchange for government contracts.

The DBM issued a stern warning following the arrest by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in late March of eight individuals allegedly involved in the scam.

These individuals had reportedly promised potential contractors substantial sums of money in exchange for a bribe of P500,000, purportedly for government projects.

“We vehemently condemn such activities. If individuals approach you claiming they can secure funds from the DBM, please report them immediately to the proper authorities,” Pangandaman stated in a released statement.

The fraudulent scheme came to light when a potential victim cross-checked with the DBM and discovered that the individual offering the deal was not affiliated with the department, and the project being touted did not exist.

Authorities are preparing to file charges of Estafa and Usurpation of Authority against the eight suspects, as announced by the DBM.

Additionally, the DBM urged the public to report any such incidents or file complaints through various channels: the DBM public assistance office (public_assistance@dbm.gov.ph), its hotline at 8657-3300 local 2524, and the Usapang Budget Natin Facebook page.

Complaints may also be directed to the NBI through their hotline at 8523-8231 to 38.

(el Amigo/MNM)