Migrante International was founded in December 1996 after the death of Filipina domestic helper Flor Contemplacion who was hanged in Singapore for allegedly murdering another Filipina domestic worker in 1995. The Flor Contemplacion case aroused wide indignation over the Philippine government’s inaction and failure to save her life and brought to national awareness the life and death situation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Since then, Migrante International has become an active defender of the rights and welfare of OFWs by raising public awareness on their plight and providing a critical analysis of the Philippine government’s labor export policy program as the main factor responsible for the commodification of Filipino workers. Migrante International has handled and assisted thousands of welfare and rights cases, including the landmark and record-breaking case of Angelo dela Cruz who was kidnapped and held hostage in war-torn Iraq in 2004. Migrante International’s quick public information work was able to mobilize thousands of Filipinos into pressuring the government into action. The resounding support for dela Cruz’ case, both locally and internationally, caused the government to pull out Filipino troops in Iraq and dela Cruz was eventually rescued from captivity. Many other battles followed: cases of stranded, detained and mysterious deaths, rape and sex-trafficking, wage cuts and maltreatment, anti-migrant policies and laws, evacuation in times of war, the plunder and corruption of OFW funds, and the continuing clamor for genuine public service and good governance for OFWs. Through them all, Migrante International has remained steadfast and has earned the trust and respect of OFW families and fellow advocates worldwide. After more than a decade since its establishment, Migrante International continues its consistent and unwavering record of service to OFWs. It now has 90 member-organizations in over 22 countries, making it the biggest organization of OFWs all over the world.
