8 pregnant OFWs give birth in quarantine

Eight pregnant overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have given birth while undergoing mandatory quarantine in the Philippines.

These OFWs were stranded in quarantine facilities awaiting their COVID-19 test results.

One of these OFWs gave birth at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital after calling the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for help when she went into labor.

Marie is one of 11 pregnant OFWs who have been repatriated and are currently staying in a hotel facility for their mandatory quarantine.

However, some pregnant OFWs have been stranded in a Quezon City quarantine facility for over a month without medical checkups.

These OFWs expressed frustration over the delay in their COVID-19 test results and clearance to go home, with one stating, "Kaming mga buntis naiwan. Sabi nila kami gagawing priority at saka seniors, pero bakit kaming ginawang priority, kami pa nabubulok dito?"

OWWA has stated they will investigate the delays and that those without test results must remain in quarantine facilities.

President Rodrigo Duterte has given OWWA, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Health a week to allow 24,000 OFWs waiting in Manila to go home.