Manila: Nine overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur have safely returned to the Philippines after being repatriated from the Middle East, following tensions between Israel and Iran.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-Ilocos regional office reported that eight of the OFWs came from Israel and one from Jordan. Their repatriation was facilitated on June 24, despite earlier flight disruptions caused by Qatar's temporary airspace closure.

Their flights were successfully re-routed, and they arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 accompanied by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Undersecretary Venecio Legaspi. Each OFW received PHP150,000 in financial aid (PHP75,000 each from OWWA and DMW), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training vouchers, medical assistance from the Department of Health, and referrals for additional Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) support.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated, 'We experienced flight delays due to airspace restrictions but what's really important is that we are here at home, safe and sound.' He assured the returnees that the government would help them build sustainable livelihoods or find new employment opportunities.

Cacdac urged OFWs to avail of the voluntary repatriation program, highlighting that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads a whole-of-government response under Bagong Pilipinas to ensure comprehensive support for returning workers.