24 July 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh requests the public to be prudent about various posts on social media requesting assistance for Filipinos in Saudi Arabia. Some of the posts are old and are recycled.  Others use telephone numbers not belonging to the person. 

In all cases and if prior verification was possible, the best recourse is to send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the information and details so that the Embassy could verify the required assistance.  Such posts on the internet and social medial may not reach the Embassy or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).  In addition, the Embassy strongly advises against any community member taking action on their own without the knowledge or assistance of the local authorities.

For instance, the Embassy received an email regarding OFW Gina Madamba Pastor whose picture, contact number and request for assistance had been posted on a social media network for several months.  

On May 25, the Embassy called the contact number of OFW Gina Pastor in Qatif and was able to talk to the wife of employer who conveyed to the Embassy that Ms. Pastor has obtained a final exit visa and would leave the Kingdom on 29 May 2013.

On July 06, when the Embassy received the same posting by email the Embassy reconfirmed with Madame Ali that Ms. Pastor left the Kingdom months ago.

On July 21, the Embassy again received an e-mail on the same posting which was circulating on social media.

The Embassy has also received similar recurring requests on various cases.

The Embassy requests all those who post or send the Embassy emails with such postings to verify the status of the individuals prior to sharing or sending the email. END