Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Sunday called for stronger protection measures for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) following the killing of two Filipina household service workers in Beirut, Lebanon on April 15.
Go stressed the need for safer deployment systems and long-term assistance for bereaved families.
The incident, confirmed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), occurred when the two workers were fatally shot by their employer during a hostage situation.
According to DMW, the suspect has since been arrested and remains in police custody while formal charges are being prepared.
Go expressed deep concern over the tragedy, saying it highlights the continuing risks faced by Filipinos working abroad.
“Masakit ang ganitong balita. Ang mga kababayan nating nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa ay nagsasakripisyo para sa kanilang pamilya, kaya dapat siguraduhin na ligtas sila saan man sila naroroon,” Go said.
He emphasized the need for stronger coordination between Philippine authorities and host countries to prevent similar incidents, as well as stricter pre-deployment safeguards.
The DMW earlier said it is coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon and local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.
Go stressed that government action should not be limited to responding after tragedies occur.
“Hindi lang dapat tayo umaasa sa aksyon kapag may nangyaring trahedya. Kailangan paigtingin ang proseso ng pag-deploy, tiyakin ang maayos na monitoring, at may malinaw na proteksyon sa bawat Pilipinong lalabas ng bansa para maghanapbuhay,” he said.
The senator also called for sustained support for the victims’ families, including financial aid and psychosocial services.
“Sa ganitong pagkakataon, hindi sapat ang pakikiramay lang. Dapat tuluy-tuloy ang tulong sa pamilya—mula sa pag-uwi ng labi hanggang sa pangmatagalang suporta para makabangon sila,” Go added.
Go reiterated that the government has taken decisive action in the past when OFW safety was at risk, recalling the 2018 suspension of worker deployment to Kuwait during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte following a series of abuse cases.
He also highlighted his role as a co-author of Republic Act No. 11641, which created the Department of Migrant Workers to streamline services and enhance protection for OFWs.
Meanwhile, concerns over the safety of Filipinos abroad have also intensified following recent deaths in Israel linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
Two Filipinas have been reported killed in separate incidents, underscoring the dangers faced by workers in conflict areas.
Go reaffirmed the vital role of OFWs in both their families and the Philippine economy.
He maintained that protecting Filipino workers abroad requires continuous vigilance and improved policies anchored in their real-life conditions.
“Bilang lingkod-bayan, tungkulin nating tiyakin na ang bawat Pilipinong lumalabas ng bansa ay hindi napapabayaan. Dapat may sistema na umaalalay sa kanila mula pag-alis hanggang sa kanilang pagbabalik,” Go said.
