15 June 2015 - The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah has deployed a team to Najran last May 27 in view of the reported resumption of sporadic rocket attacks in various areas on May 26.

To primarily ensure the overall safety and security of Filipino nationals, aside from actively monitoring the security situation in the area round-the-clock, the team has been conducting numerous meetings with owners of small and medium-sized establishments employing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and orienting Filipino workers on the localized contingency plan that has been put into place in Najran.

Vice Consul Alexander Joseph A. Estomo, team leader, together with Messrs. Arnel Navarra and Badroddin Abdullah also paid a visit to the three Filipinos who had been reported to have suffered some injuries during the May 26 barrage of rockets into Faysaliyah at their temporary accommodation facility. The team met with the Hyatt Hotel manager in Najran, the employer of the three, who promised to allow them to go on vacation in the soonest possible time.

So far, the Consulate General team has reached out to the managements of HAMCO, Dawa Al Salama Polyclinic, Anmat Al Arabia, Al Fanary, Al Ewan Medical Company, Rabbit Establishment, Majeed Nasser Mahdi Alabbas Co., Al Sheeban Ready Mix Co., Al-Madar Establishment, Ibn Cena Dental Clinic and Dawa Al Janoub Medical Center. The officials of these employer-companies have all given strong assurances that, in compliance with standing contracts of employment, their workers shall be evacuated or relocated when the situation on the ground already warrants such action.

Several dialogue sessions with various Filipino community groups and workers of small and medium-sized enterprises have also been conducted. Lively and fruitful discussions have transpired during these meetings between the team and OFWs on matters of status of employer-employee relationship vis-a-vis the security situation in Najran, actions that may be undertaken during emergency situations and government plans and initiatives for assisting Filipinos in times of emergency and distress.

Since May 26, the security situation remains stable and the Saudi government is working very hard to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone in Najran. Nonetheless, the Consulate General team shall continue to closely coordinate with all employers/sponsors for the eventual and successful implementation of their respective contingency plans to ensure the safety and security of their Filipino workers.

For requests to coordinate with employers, advice and updates on Najran, OFWs in the area may still contact the following Najran-dedicated Consulate hotline: 053 424 0362. END