90 families abandoned by Saudis in Philippines

(MENAFN- Arab News) RIYADH: Marriage between a Saudi and a Filipino can be successful with love and respect for each other and willingness to adapt to cultures a Filipino rights activist has said.
As many as 90 families have been abandoned in the Philippines by Saudi men for various reasons including cultural differences and language John Leonard Monterona regional coordinator of Filipino rights told Arab News adding that children are the main sufferers.
'The cultural differences can be overcome and language can be learnt. This will help the many abandoned wives and children who are living in difficult circumstances and struggling to get an identity' he said adding that they cannot be denied their right.
Quoted by a local daily Najeeb Al-Zamil founder of Return to the Roots Association that works for the welfare of children of foreign wives abroad said 90 people aged between five and 40 years are living in severe conditions in the Philippines despite being products of a legal marriage between Saudis and Filipinos.
Al-Zamil called on these Saudi parents to recognize their children and stop denying them their rights.
Tawfiq Al-Swailem head of the Saudi Charitable Society for the Welfare of Saudi Families Abroad or (Awasser) had earlier said that 2103 families and 7532 individuals in 31 countries who are genetically related to Saudi Arabia are left to fend for themselves.