Filipino migrant workers based in the Middle East thanked former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino for her many contributions to the Filipino people and the nation.

“Kaisa ang sambayanang Pilipino na nagdadalamhati sa pagpanaw ng dating pangulong Corazon “Cory” Aquino, at kinikilala ang kanyang ambag makamit ang kalayaan sa ilalim ng diktadurya ng rehimeng Marcos,” said John Leonard Monterona, regional coordinator of Migrante-Middle East chapter.

In a statement, Monterona said Migrante-Middle East joins the entire nation in prayer for Aquino who passed away Saturday morning.

OFWs assured the nation’s democracy icon that they will be vigilant against the current administration’s attempts to trample on the rights and freedom fought for by the former president.

Migrante-Al Khobar chapter spokesperson Gerry De Guzman, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to Aquino for the freedom enjoyed by political detainees under the Marcos regime.

“Salamat Gng. Cory Aquino sa iyong kontribusyon para mapalaya kaming lahat na mga bilanggong pulitikal noong panahon ng diktadurang rehimeng Marcos. Salamat Cory, sa iyong kontribusyon at partisipasyon upang mapatalsik ang diktadurang rehimeng Marcos at pagbuwag at paglansag sa mga mapaniil at anti-demokratikong batas militar ng diktadurang Marcos. Itutuloy namin ang pakikibaka para sa Bayan,” said De Guzman, who was a political detainee during the martial law era.
 
They added that OFWs and their families will always remember Aquino as “an epitome of democracy, freedom, and unity”.

“May her soul rest in peace,” the group said.