OFWs unhurt but traumatized by riot in Kazakhstan workplace - Malaya 10.25.2006
SOME 500 Filipino workers who were caught in a riot that claimed 40 lives and left scores injured in a Bechtel-run oil drilling facility in Tengiz, Kazakhstan last Oct. 20 have been "moved to a safer location in the compound," the Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.
Citing a report from Henri Ohayon, Bechtel official in Tengiz, DFA spokesperson Eduardo Malaya said work in the facility has already partially resumed as of yesterday.
"Work has resumed at the oil project, starting with the engineers, supervisors, et al. Manual field workers, including most Filipinos, will resume work tomorrow or the day after," Malaya said.
The OFWs in Tengiz, mostly employed as welders, electricians and pipefitters, were caught in a clash between Kazakh and Turkish workers who erupted into violence after someone reportedly cut into the line during mealtime at the canteen.
The DFA said none of the Filipino workers joined the riot and none were hurt.
Malaya also said Bechtel human resource officials had met with the OFWs to reassure them about their safety and security but Sen. Richard Gordon, who is currently in Geneva, Switzerland, sent a text message to Labor Secretary Arturo Brion to say that he had been contacted by "severely traumatized" OFWs who no longer feel safe in Tengiz.
Gordon said the OFWs who contacted him not only fear for their lives but are constantly harassed and intimidated by Kazakhs who took part in the riot. "Personal belongings are being taken from them by rogue bands of Kazakhs who have been threatening them. Some instances of violence and bullying have been reported. Panic and tempers are at flashpoint which could lead to severe consequences, not unlike the 20 October event which killed many Turks," Gordon said in his message which was forwarded to Senate reporters by his Manila office.
Gordon "strongly recommended" that the Labor Department ensure the safety of the OFWs by pulling out those who no longer feel safe in the remote outpost.
Senate majority leader Francis Pangilinan said the DFA should send someone to Tengiz to talk to the OFWs for an accurate assessment of the situation. – Czeriza Valencia and Dennis Gadil
Citing a report from Henri Ohayon, Bechtel official in Tengiz, DFA spokesperson Eduardo Malaya said work in the facility has already partially resumed as of yesterday.
"Work has resumed at the oil project, starting with the engineers, supervisors, et al. Manual field workers, including most Filipinos, will resume work tomorrow or the day after," Malaya said.
The OFWs in Tengiz, mostly employed as welders, electricians and pipefitters, were caught in a clash between Kazakh and Turkish workers who erupted into violence after someone reportedly cut into the line during mealtime at the canteen.
The DFA said none of the Filipino workers joined the riot and none were hurt.
Malaya also said Bechtel human resource officials had met with the OFWs to reassure them about their safety and security but Sen. Richard Gordon, who is currently in Geneva, Switzerland, sent a text message to Labor Secretary Arturo Brion to say that he had been contacted by "severely traumatized" OFWs who no longer feel safe in Tengiz.
Gordon said the OFWs who contacted him not only fear for their lives but are constantly harassed and intimidated by Kazakhs who took part in the riot. "Personal belongings are being taken from them by rogue bands of Kazakhs who have been threatening them. Some instances of violence and bullying have been reported. Panic and tempers are at flashpoint which could lead to severe consequences, not unlike the 20 October event which killed many Turks," Gordon said in his message which was forwarded to Senate reporters by his Manila office.
Gordon "strongly recommended" that the Labor Department ensure the safety of the OFWs by pulling out those who no longer feel safe in the remote outpost.
Senate majority leader Francis Pangilinan said the DFA should send someone to Tengiz to talk to the OFWs for an accurate assessment of the situation. – Czeriza Valencia and Dennis Gadil
posted by brodkaster43 at Miyerkules, Oktubre 25, 2006
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