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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Supporters hold vigil for 'three amigos'
Arnisito Gaviola, Ermie Zotomayor, and Antonio Laroya (from left) are desperately trying to remain in Canada. (JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)
A small group of supporters for three Filipino men facing deportation gathered for a prayer vigil Saturday afternoon.
The event was to bolster the spirits of the men dubbed the "three amigos" -- Antonio Laroya, Arnisito Gaviola and Ermie Zotomayor.
"I feel thanks to the people who would give us support and join us for prayers," Gaviola said before the start of the vigil at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba on Keewatin Street.
Prayers for the two-hour event were led by Herminio Ramos of the New Hope Community Church of the Nazarene and Ray Cuthbert of Broadway Disciples United Church.
The event in Winnipeg was one of several staged across the country in support of the three men, including Vancouver, Toronto, Barrie, Ottawa and Montreal. Saturday was International Migrants Day.
The three men are starting a fast in protest to highlight their situation.
They have been out of work since their arrest in June. They arrived in Canada in 2007 to work at a gas bar in High Prairie, Alta. After they were laid off in February, they landed similar jobs in Thompson but federal officials seized their passports when they said their work permits didn't permit them to change employment.
They've received many job offers from Manitoba employers since they went public with their plight but the men are prohibited from working legally.
The vigil included recorded testimonials from their children and how they and their families have been affected by their fathers' arrest.
The three men have a deportation hearing set for Dec. 23 and they said they are concerned about the outcome.
"We have been approved for legal aid and we hope to have a lawyer for the hearing," Gaviola said. "We need the support of people and churches to show the politicians. We want to stay in Canada."
Joining the supporters were Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard and Winnipeg North MP Kevin Lamoureux, who said he's been swamped with immigration issues since winning the Nov. 29 byelection.
Lamoureux said the three men could face immediate deportation following the Dec. 23 hearing or the hearing adjudicator could order them deported but give them some time to prepare.
Lamoureux said the best outcome would be for the Selinger government to approve them under the provincial nominee program. "They'd have to leave the country temporarily but they'd be able to return with their families."
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 19, 2010 A9
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