Assistance to Filipinos in Distress
Assistance to Filipino Citizens Arrested or Detained
Locating Whereabouts of Family Members
It is declared policy of the Philippine Government to promote the welfare and well-being and protect the rights of Filipino citizens abroad. Accordingly, every Filipino citizen, whether transient or residing within the Consulate’s jurisdiction, and regardless of his political, social or immigration status, are extended proper assistance at all times.
The Consulate extends assistance to distressed Filipino citizens under its jurisdiction. Filipino citizens who are victims of domestic violence, child abuse, violation of overseas employment contracts, and seamen in distress can contact the ATN Section at (213) 637-3010 for appropriate assistance.
As a general rule, the Consulate does not intervene in official proceedings of U.S. Government authorities. It is, however, the Consulate’s responsibility to ensure that the rights and interests of Filipino citizens in its jurisdiction are protected to the fullest extent possible, particularly in cases of oppression, injustice, discrimination, injury, and deprivation of liberty.
Article 36(b) of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations requires the U.S. Government to inform the Consulate if a Filipino citizen/national is arrested or committed to prison or custody pending trial or is detained in any other manner. The notification requirement is also mandated by the RP-US Treaty on Consular Relations. Officers of the Consulate have the right to visit a Filipino citizen who is in prison, custody or detention, to converse and correspond with him/her, and to arrange for legal representation. While the Consulate can provide advise on the best possible representation under the circumstances, the financial expenses for legal representation are to be shouldered by the detained Filipino citizen.
The Consulate can assist Filipinos residing in the Philippines in locating the whereabouts of family members and relatives residing within its jurisdiction. Inquiries of this nature should specify the full name of the family member, last known address, known contact numbers and mailing adresses, if any (to include those who personally know the family member), and other personal details of the family member.
Locating the whereabouts of a family member depends largely on the correctness of these details. There may, however, be instances where the family member may not reply or provide feedback even though the contact details are correct. For more information, please call the ATN section at (213) 637-3010 or e-mail us at atnpcgla@earthlink.net
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