The Tanggol Migrante Network (TMM, or Defend Migrants Network), in its online press conference on November 19, condemned the Philippine embassy and consulate for their blatant neglect and disregard for the situation of Filipinos detained in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities.
According to Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan-USA), the Philippine embassy and consulates “ghost” or disappear whenever people ask them for help, especially Filipinos detained in ICE facilities. Worse, the embassy chooses who is “deserving” of help, instead of assisting everyone in need of it.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)’s Assistance to the Nationals (ATN) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)’s Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan (AKSYON, or Immediate Care and Aid for OFWs in Need) Fund also appear to be “ghost projects.” A ₱1.2 billion budget is allocated for AKSYON and ₱9.8 billion for ATN for 2025. Despite these funds, the agencies provide little to no assistance to Filipinos in need.
Relatives of Filipinos detained in ICE facilities expressed frustration and outrage over the red tape and extremely slow processes and bureaucracy when they sought help from the Philippine embassy and consulates.
Those seeking help included Sonny Lasquite and Yaa’kub Ira Vijandre, who approached the embassy to benefit from the ATN. Both are detained in ICE facilities. Another is Ligaya Jensen, who was promised a government ID as early as June. She is not eligible for a job or government aid without an ID.
Zenar Dela Cruz also experienced unmet promises. He was not provided financial support when he got sick and underwent surgery. His wife repeatedly pleaded for help, but the embassy did not respond.
“The people must see that this entire government is a ghost project, an entire system pretending to be in service of the people, when in reality only serving the rich few and their imperialist backers,” Bayan-USA explained.
“There is no other recourse the people have but to oust the corrupt, reject the current system, and build a people’s government that serves the needs of the toiling masses, including those of us overseas,” the group added.
TMM called on the public to continue supporting the struggle of detained Filipinos and to demand that the Philippine government fulfill its obligations to its citizens. They also invited everyone to join the national protest against corruption on November 30, the international human rights day on December 10, and the international migrants day on December 18.
