Manila: The Philippine government has intensified efforts to repatriate overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other overseas Filipinos affected by the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran in the Middle East. The first batch of repatriates is scheduled to arrive home on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, alongside Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Wilfredo Santos, and teams from the Philippine Embassy and Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Amman, briefed the media on the efforts to safely bring home affected Filipinos. Secretary Cacdac emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of its nationals, stating that he would accompany the group of 26 repatriates from Israel.
Cacdac traveled to Amman to oversee the operations and ensure proper care for affected Filipinos. He mentioned that the group would include an additional three OFWs from Jordan and one from the West Bank, totaling 30 individuals joining the repatriation flight to Manila. This group is the first to utilize the government's voluntary repatriation program, having crossed into Jordan via the King Hussein Bridge.
Upon their arrival in Jordan, the repatriates were welcomed by Cacdac, Santos, and MWO personnel, who provided immediate support, including basic necessities. The Philippine Embassy and MWO teams facilitated the processing of their documentation, ensuring their safe accommodation in Amman.
Cacdac highlighted that many OFWs who opted for repatriation were long-standing workers in Israel, some for over a decade, but chose to return due to regional tensions. The repatriates expressed gratitude for the government's support, which included financial assistance.
As of Sunday, the government had received 223 formal repatriation requests from OFWs in Israel, a number expected to rise amid ongoing missile attacks between Israel and Iran. A second wave of evacuation is already being prepared for at least 33 OFWs.
Cacdac noted that four government shelters remain operational in Israel, offering food, shelter, and medical monitoring for those choosing to stay. The repatriation effort is part of a coordinated approach involving Philippine Embassies in Amman and Tel Aviv, the DMW, and MWOs in Israel and Jordan, with support from Jordanian and Israeli authorities.
Ambassador Santos expressed gratitude to King Abdullah II and the Jordanian government for facilitating safe transit. Upon returning to the Philippines, repatriated OFWs will receive a PHP150,000 financial assistance package, training vouchers, medical check-ups, psychosocial support, and access to livelihood programs.
Cacdac stressed that the initiative is not merely a repatriation but a comprehensive reintegration effort, involving multiple government agencies to support returning OFWs in rebuilding their lives.
Alert Level 3 (voluntary repatriation) has been raised in Israel and Iran as of Friday. Filipinos in the region can contact dedicated hotlines for assistance.
Cacdac reaffirmed the government's commitment to safely repatriate all Filipinos wishing to return home, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive.
