By Genalyn Kabiling
Presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers and Muslim concerns Abdullah Mamao has been designated as special envoy to Kuwait to help normalize the country’s relations with the Gulf state, Malacañang announced yesterday.
Mamao’s mission includes recovering the Filipino diplomats and drivers facing charges for the controversial rescue of distressed OFWs in Kuwait, overseeing the repatriation of workers who wish to return home, and forging a labor protection pact with Kuwait, according to Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque.
The appointment of Mamao comes following a “breakthrough” in efforts to ease a diplomatic conflict between the Philippines and Kuwait concerning the treatment of Filipino workers by Kuwaiti employers.
“The President said that Secretary Mamao would be appointed as special envoy to Kuwait and he was tasked to return to Kuwait immediately to make sure that all Filipinos who should be sent back home are able to do so,” Roque said during a Palace press briefing.
“I do not know when Mamao can actually fly back to Kuwait but the President’s marching order was as soon as possible,” he added.
