VP NOLI APPEALS FOR DEFERMENT OF OFWs' DEPORTATION IN MALAYSIA
July 26, 2008

Vice President Noli “Kabayan” De Castro appealed to the Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak to defer the implementation of the massive deportation of undocumented overseas Filipino workers in Sabah .

De Castro urged the Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister to stop the imminent deportation so that the government can prepare for the reception and relocation of the workers.

Earlier, Malaysia announced it will conduct large scale operation against undocumented workers in Sabah . The move is expected to affect hundreds of Filipinos illegally working there.

In his letter to Razak, De Castro said the operation scheduled to commence next month will affect thousands of Filipino Muslims in Sabah who will bear its brunt during the holy month of Ramadan.

“In the spirit of humanitarian concern during the holy month, I wish to appeal to your excellency to stay the implementation of the large scale operation until after the holy month of Ramadan,” De Castro told Razak.

The Malaysian government assured that it will continue to adopt an orderly and humane approach in the detention and deportation of undocumented workers.

Meanwhile, De Castro said the Philippines is prepared to ensure the safety of Filipinos, including the repatriation of 500 Filipinos presently detained in the temporary detention center in Menggatal and to expedite the issuance of their travel documents.

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