Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo today instructed Philippine Embassy in Baghdad Chargé d’Affaires Ricardo Endaya to coordinate with the Philippine Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, which has jurisdiction over Damascus, to ensure that OFW Danilo Pasia continues to receive proper medical attention after it was learned that he was transported by land from Mosul to the Syrian capital. Mr. Pasia was transferred to Damascus upon the request of the Siemens company doctor.

“I have instructed both Philippine Embassies in Baghdad and Beirut to monitor the condition of Mr. Pasia and ensure that he is in a suitable medical facility and is receiving the proper medical treatment. I personally encourage Mr. Pasia to subject himself to the necessary surgical procedures for his own well being. Our embassy officials are there to extend whatever assistance may be necessary,” Secretary Romulo said.

“It is very fortunate that Mr. Pasia has been safely transported out of Iraq and into more secure premises,” the Secretary said, adding, “rest assured that our Foreign Service personnel are on the case and are closely coordinating with Danilo’s employer, Siemens-Asia Cellular, for his continued care and security.”

Mr. Endaya personally visited Mr. Pasia on Tuesday, 24 August at the Mosul Medical City (previously known as the Mosul Al-Jumuhiri Hospital) where the injured OFW was previously confined. There, Mr. Endaya was informed that the patient was expected to begin a series of surgical operations starting Wednesday, 25 August to treat the multiple bullet wounds he sustained on his right arm. Mr. Endaya even requested the purchase of the steel plate that was supposed to be inserted into Mr. Pasia’s arm.

Yesterday, Mr. Endaya reported to the DFA that he personally went back to Mosul Medical City on Saturday, 28 August and was informed that Mr. Pasia was discharged from the hospital after receiving primary medical care. The discharge was made upon the request of Siemens-Asia Cellular. Mr. Endaya was also informed that Siemens-Asia Cellular paid for the medical bills incurred by Mr. Pasia during his confinement in Mosul Medical City.

Danilo Pasia is the lone survivor of a road ambush by Iraqi militants two Sundays ago. He was with an Indonesian colleague and an Iraqi driver and bodyguard on their way back to the Siemens compound in the northern Iraqi city when unidentified men opened fire on their vehicle. Mr. Pasia’s companions perished in the attack while he was rushed to Mosul Medical City by the responding police rescue team.