By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

THE Department of Labor has revoked an alien worker’s permit for failing to return to work after an emergency travel to the Philippines.
In a two-page order, Hearing Officer Jerry Cody stated that the employment contract between Torres refrigeration Inc. and Alexander Cruz “is hereby terminated.”
Cruz, whose work permit is scheduled to expire on February 22, 2007, asked his employer for a 30-day leave on June 6 to attend to a family emergency in the Philippines.
Cruz failed to return prompting the company’s general manager to travel all the way to the Philippines in July to personally visit the employee at his home address.
The general manager had to contact a placement agency after an unsuccessful attempt to find Cruz.
On July 31, the employer terminated Cruz’s contract on July 31, citing his unauthorized absences from work and his apparent abandonment of his employment.
The employer then informed the Department of Labor of Cruz’s termination.
After reviewing the matter, Labor found that Cruz has indeed abandoned his job.
His working permit was revoked and his name referred to the Division of Immigration.