June 27 News Watch

This morning I feel like I want to watch what is currently happening around the world, especially our beloved country-the Philippines. Here are the things I've seen so far, some are bad and some are good:

First is the plan to revive US-PHL new air and naval base in Subic Bay. All I can say is that I think it is about time. With our current problems regarding stand-off with China, I think we really need something that can give us more strength in our forces. Well, lets face it, we can't compete with China's forces if they ever worst come to worst, worst is I think any other country can compete against us. My friends and I were joking around that we can all be heroes and pick-up arms and fight them - do or die! but what is sticks against bullets right? Plus, the process will also give us two new Hamilton-class Cutter Battleship just like our current largest battleship BRP Gregorio del Pilar and newly acquired BRP Ramon Alcaraz. I think, we just have to have control over the US forces with regards to security. They should not be above the law and should be treated the same as us Filipinos.

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Kind Hearted OFWs, BEWARE!

Awhile ago, I received an email from my brother-in-law stating that a kind-hearted OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) has just been arrested for a crime he did not commit. It is quite disturbing, since us Filipinos is known for the trait the most people take advantage of - "Pakikisama". Okay here is the story.

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There was a Filipino who was asked at the Philippine airport to carry 4 pairs of flip-flops (Islander brand slippers) from somebody he barely know to Saudi Arabia. With a kind heart that he has, he did just to help. Upon arrival in Saudi, he was apprehended for reason that he didn't know until after several days of detainment. In those flip-flops were around 700gms of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride stuffed in. Now he is suffering from a crime he did not commit. THE ONLY MISTAKE HE DID IS BEING KIND HEARTED.

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I've googled and checked if this was true since I am in Saudi Arabia and I also didn't read any news about this nor heard of it. I didn't find anything but I was able to find a news article from GMA7 which resembles it - read about it.

I believe these were just rumors made by some people who like to brag things. And to support this matter, they spread it so once the person they told of eventually met other people who heard of this rumor, they will eventually conclude it is true.

Well, true or not, we OFWs must beware in taking packages from strangers. If we must, we should ask that person that we will have to thoroughly inspect the package, if they disagree then they have to find another person to carry it. It’s not their neck that is on the line so they’ll have to comply.

Sadly, most of us OFWs are quite prone to this. It is not the "Pakikisama" that is endangering us, it is those who abuse it. I remember back then, I just asked the person what's inside the package and then that is already good for me. Now, I won't be able to do that and I feel sad about it since it means that more and more people are taking advantage of our "Pakikisama". I just hope this won't greatly affect everyone who was always kind-hearted.

So that's it, to all OFWs who are going to have their vacations or who is on their way back to their work jobsite. May joy fill(ed) your heart and please be aware of this matter, pass this information to all your OFW friends. God bless you all.

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