Roy V. Señeres , Ex-diplomat par excellence,
Savior of Pinoy Migrant Workers in Distress

If  the firmament of Overseas Filipino Workers were to be studded with stars representing their protectors, definitely, among the most brilliant would be that of former Ambassador Roy Villareal Señeres.

In fact, many are saying that Ambassador Señeres’ name has become almost synonymous to being savior of distressed OFWs, and has become a household word – especially in the homes of families of Filipino migrant workers.

Señeres first hugged the limelight when, as our country’s ambassador to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, he was able to save the pretty but frail-looking Pinay domestic helper Sarah Balabagan from being beheaded in the United Arab Emirates.

Sarah killed her employer who, she said, attempted to rape her. But the Sharia court, just the same, sentenced her to death.

Señeres was not only a diplomat. He is a lawyer as well, having earned a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1971 and subsequently passing the bar in the same year.

Through his resourcefulness, determination, tact, diplomacy and hard work, the dynamic and conscientious envoy was able to save the petite Miss Balabagan – who only preserved her honor and chastity – from the clutches of death. The rest is history.

But the Balabagan rescue was to be only the first one for the amiable diplomat. Other difficult cases involving OFWs were  also handled by him.