Scores of stranded Pinoys starving in Maldives

More than 60 Filipino construction workers have reportedly been stranded in the Maldives for five months without food and water due to non-payment of their salaries, it was learned yesterday.

Families of the Filipino workers flocked to the office of migrant worker group, Migrante, yesterday to report the deplorable state of the workers seeking immediate repatriation to the Philippines.

The family members said they received information from their stranded relatives in the Maldives that there could be hundreds more of Filipinos in the country being subjected under the same situation.

“My husband told me that he wanted to come home already because they have no more food to eat and water to drink. Most of the time they drink rain water and have to beg for food from the residents because they don’t have money,” said Myrna Grimaldo, wife of one of workers.

Grimaldo’s husband Randy, 35, has been deployed to the Maldives twice. She said this is the first time that a problem like this happened.

“I am so worried about his condition there. I’ve been having sleepless nights. I hope the Philippine government can help bring our relatives back to the Philippines safely,” said Grimaldo, whose four cousins are also among the stranded workers in the country.

The workers were employed by Ashly Alexis Builders Corp. and were recruited by Mayon View Recruitment Agency in Manila.

Relatives said the local agency cannot explain the reason for the delay in the payment of the salaries of the Filipino workers in Maldives. The workers stopped receiving their $300 a month pay last April.

“We would only get minimal cash advance from the local agency here, but it’s not enough for our daily needs,” Grimaldo said.

Joseph Macapia said his brother, Leonito, 33, told him over the phone that he has been taking part-time jobs to survive.

“It’s not a regular job. Sometimes, he would be asked by some residents to fix their leaking roof and do some minor house repairs. This is what the other stranded Filipino workers do. But if there are no clients, then they can not buy food and water,” Macapia said.

The Philippines has no embassy in the Maldives. The Tribune tried to reach the Department of Foreign Affairs, but officials were unavailable for comment.

“We condemn the government for its continued neglect in providing assistance to our distressed workers abroad. They should act now before these workers die of hunger,” said Migrante chairman Garry Martinez. –Michaela P. del Callar