Labor chief explains OFW quarantine delays

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III clarified that the government did not intend to prolong the quarantine of returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) but lacked control over testing and clearance processes.

Approximately 24,000 OFWs have been housed in quarantine facilities, many of whom have expressed frustration over delayed COVID-19 test results and clearances.

President Duterte has directed the Labor department and OWWA to expedite the return of OFWs who have tested negative for COVID-19.

To address the delays, additional personnel have been assigned to OWWA, and task groups have been formed to speed up the processing and transportation of OFWs.

These task groups aim to facilitate the quick homecoming of OFWs and assist in the processing of outbound workers to prevent job losses.

A central command center, supervised by former labor secretary Marianito Roque, has been established to monitor OFWs and coordinate repatriation efforts.