It was the Philippine flag flying proudly over the Embassy that led two distressed kababayan of ours to safety. Mario and Dominic, both first timers in Iraq, fled from their employer who they said overworked and underpaid them. They took a taxi and asked to be brought to the Embassy, which was located at Al-Jadriyah … Continue reading Homecoming
Month: December 2024
Tearful Farewell in Tunis
The Filipina nurse could not hold back her tears as she hugged and thanked us for the last time. We were standing just outside the immigration area at Tunis Carthage International Airport where she and her seven-year-old son will take the flight that would first take them to Doha and then on to Manila. “Pasensya … Continue reading Tearful Farewell in Tunis
Bracing for the Offensive
The last time I was with my family was Christmas last year in New York. I was supposed to be there in May for my son’s college graduation but I was not able to make it because fighting once again broke out in Tripoli. I would come to miss other important family events during the … Continue reading Bracing for the Offensive
DISPATCHES FROM THE FRONTLINE 