POEA ADVISORY NO. 35
Series of 2015
Pursuant to DOLE Administrative Order No. 549, series of 2015, in relation to incidents involving departing OFWs being apprehended at the NAIA for alleged possession of ammunition or bullets, in alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) hereby advises all departing OFWs and licensed recruitment agencies, as follows:
1) R.A. 10591 penalizes unlawful possession of ammunition, defined as a “complete unfixed unit consisting of a bullet, gunpowder, cartridge case and primer or loaded shell for use in any firearm.” Do not carry such items either in checked-in or carry-on luggage. Please secure your bags and suitcases with locks, and make sure they are sealed shut. Please be vigilant and watch over your belongings at all times.
2) When an OFW is reported to be set for questioning by airport authorities for possession of ammunition or a bullet, the POEA is ready to render assistance, which includes on-the-spot advice, coordination with a government legal service (such as the Public Attorney’s Office) and the OWWA, as well as opening communication lines with immediate family, friends, recruitment agencies, or legal counsel. Please take note of the contact information stated below.
3) The POEA shall immediately advise the DOLE, through the International Labor Affairs Bureau, of any OFW apprehension at NAIA for any alleged violation of R.A. 10591. The ILAB, in turn, shall communicate with the PHL Labor Office (POLO) in the concerned OFW’s host country or destination, for purposes of advising the foreign principal or employer about the situation. The foreign principal or employer shall be requested to give the OFW reasonable time to clear his or her name with PHL authorities.
4) Philippine Recruitment Agencies are directed to remind all departing OFWs about the contents of this Advisory, and shall continuously monitor the situation of their workers as they go through departure formalities at the airport. Should any of their workers encounter problems, they shall likewise extend possible assistance and undertake full cooperation with the DOLE, POEA, and OWWA.
5) For any queries or assistance, the POEA may be reached through the following:
– The contact person for the POEA at NAIA is Mr. Marcelo Maningding Jr., POEA Labor Assistance Center Head, mobile number 09176545077.
– The POEA may also be reached via hotline numbers (+632) 722-1144 and (+632) 722-1155.
– Email address: info@poea.gov.ph
– Facebook and Twitter accounts of the POEA and the undersigned.
Please be guided accordingly.
November 6, 2015. Mandaluyong City.
(Sgd.)
HANS LEO J. CACDAC
Administrator
