Distress calls from the Indian Ocean

Even 'paradise' can be hell for Filipinos.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) currently in distress in Maldives are pleading for government assistance.

This was aired by Nacionalista Party president Manny Villar, whose helpline dedicated to beleaguered migrant workers received their call yesterday.

OFWs Rechie Galvez, Oscar Valera, Ricardo Acosta, and Mario Viernes said they, along with their colleagues in Villingili Island, have not been receiving salaries while bearing squalid living conditions.

"Ang iniinom namin ay tubig-ulan at mabahong tubig din ang ipinampapaligo namin. Puro surot din ang aming tulugan at hindi sapat ang pagkain," the OFWs employed by a construction company said.

Also reportedly among the OFWs are Rodelio Cosidon, Joseph Gonzales, Dominador Parzan, Alvino Barnabe, Edchiel Ariate, William Nicolas, Francis Bulatao, Arnel Pagaragan, Benjie Julian, Perseus Salang-oy, June Mendoza, Johnmar Javier, Jeff Gilo, Mayron Moyaen, Rommel Corpuz, Zaldy Acumabig, Ranillo Joaquin, Wilfredo Tolunes, Edwin Oclares, Alex Collaman, Andre Alyaon, Jolly Apayyo, Abraham Sanchez, Johnder Orsit, Joel Banez, Arnel Dayrit, Elizalde Mendoza, Philip Yee and Louie Cadiz.

Villar also asked the DFA to verify reports that there are about 300 OFWs currently experiencing labor problems in Maldives, like the cited migrant workers.

The senator has endorsed the OFWs' case to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

Harsh conditions faced by OFWs has prompted Villar to actively press for the application of the "no-fault insurance system" for OFWs, a form of indemnity plan in which anyone injured in an accident or misfortune receives direct payment from the company that has insured them, eliminating the need for victims to establish another's liability or fault through a civil case.

Villar has filed Senate Bill 3040 or the "Overseas Contract Workers Insurance Act" which seeks compulsory insurance for all OFWs in addition to benefits being provided by OWWA.

He has also set up Sagip-OFW Helpline to give an avenue for distressed Filipino migrant workers to air their plight for timely assistance.

Maldives, famous for its pristine islands, is a country that stretches south of India's Lakshadweep islands, southwest of Sri Lanka. It is the smallest Asian country in terms of both population and area, and predominantly Muslim.