Senator Francis Tolentino lauded Jimmy Pacheco, the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who overcame hostage-taking in Gaza and successfully returned to his hometown in Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley.
Tolentino told Pacheco: “Nagpapakita talaga ito di lang ng iyong tibay at paninindigan, pati na rin ng ating mga kababayan.”
Pacheco, who worked as a caretaker in Israel, described his harrowing experiences, including eating tissue paper to survive, witnessing the death of his 80-year-old care client, and being tortured.
“Binugbog ako, tinutukan ng baril, pinaluhod, tapos biningi nila iyong tenga ko,” the OFW said.
Upon hearing Pacheco’s stories, Senator Tolentino noted that despite the survival, there is still trauma to overcome.
“Dito makikita ang kabayanihan mo, pagmamahal sa pamilya, kaya saludo kami sa pinagdaanan mo. Alam kong matagal pa ‘yang di maaalis sa iyong kaisipan,” the solon remarked.
Tolentino also suggested that more standby funds be allotted to OFWs who will go to dangerous places. “Di lang repatriation, kundi hanggang sa makabalik sa normal na buhay. Maayudahan sila na makapagtayo ng negosyo nang sa ganoon ay di muna umalis,” the Senator asserted.
