IRAN-ISRAEL CONFLICT

MANILA, Philippines – The first group of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) repatriated from the Middle East, amid escalating regional tensions, arrived safely in the Philippines on Tuesday night. This initial batch of 31 repatriates included 26 individuals from Israel, three from Jordan, one from Palestine, and one from Qatar. They landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 via Qatar Airways flight QR 934 from Amman, Jordan, at 7:30 p.m.

Their arrival, originally scheduled for earlier on Tuesday, was briefly delayed due to the temporary closure of Qatar’s airspace following Iran’s missile strike on a United States air base in Doha on Monday.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, who personally led the repatriation mission alongside Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi, emphasized the success of the operation. “We experienced flight delays due to airspace restrictions, but what’s really important is that we are here at home, safe and sound,” Cacdac stated. He and Legaspi traveled with the OFWs from Jordan, ensuring their secure passage back to the Philippines. Cacdac underscored that these repatriation efforts align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the safety and security of OFWs during crises.

The repatriates from Israel had crossed the King Hussein Bridge into Jordan before their flight home, receiving continuous support from Philippine embassies, Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), and OWWA welfare officers in Israel, Jordan, and Qatar throughout their journey. Cacdac commended the “one-country coordinated efforts” by various government agencies for the successful repatriation.

Upon their arrival, the OFWs were met with immediate and comprehensive government assistance. Each repatriate received PHP150,000 in financial support, with PHP75,000 each coming from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). They also received immediate airport assistance, including temporary accommodations and transportation to their respective home provinces. An additional PHP10,000 cash assistance was provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

A welcoming team at NAIA Terminal 3 included OWWA Chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, DSWD Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Deputy Director General Felizardo Colambo, and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Robert Ferrer. These officials provided on-the-spot medical, psychological, and reintegration services. Health Secretary Herbosa specifically mentioned that the Department of Health (DOH) would provide medical services and assistance to a cancer patient-repatriate and a pregnant OFW, including mental wellness check-ups. DOH will also offer free healthcare services and psychosocial counseling for all OFWs affected by the conflict.

For long-term support, the DMW, through its National Reintegration Center for OFWs, will assist the repatriates in establishing livelihood ventures or finding alternative employment. This includes free skills training vouchers from TESDA and business training from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The Department of Labor and Employment is also ready to help those seeking local employment with placement and job matching.

DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay reported that out of more than 30,000 OFWs in Israel, 311 have so far requested repatriation. “We stand ready to assist those who are willing to be repatriated. We are encouraging OFWs to avail of the voluntary repatriation program. And sa pag-uwi nila (when they return home) a whole-of-government approach ang nakahanda (is in place),” Cacdac affirmed. OWWA Administrator Caunan highlighted the emotional significance of the reunion, stating, “Pinaka mahalaga at pinaka importante ang saya at pagmamahal na nadarama ng bawat pamilya sa pagdating ng ating mga OFWs sa gabing ito (The most important thing is the joy and love expressed and felt by the families of the OFWs after they arrived home tonight).”

Looking ahead, DMW noted that a second batch of 50 OFWs is expected to arrive later this week, with another 20 currently being processed. While a chartered flight for remaining affected OFWs is “always an option,” Secretary Cacdac did not provide further details for security reasons.

Meanwhile, a total deployment ban (Alert Level 3) remains in effect for Israel, Iran, and Lebanon. Secretary Cacdac is also scheduled to fly to Bahrain to discuss contingency measures should the Iran-Israel conflict escalate further. In other news, an OFW trapped in a bomb shelter in Be’er Sheva, Israel, was successfully rescued and sustained no injuries.