Manila: Filipinos all over the world are the responsibility of the Philippine government; thus, those needing help must inform the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and related agencies. This was emphasized by DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro during an online briefing.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Lazaro stated, "Any Filipino who thinks it's not safe wherever they are, it is the responsibility and the mandate of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and us at Foreign Affairs to repatriate this person and to help each and every OFW that is in need of assistance." Her remarks follow ongoing tensions in the Middle East, despite a temporary two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran that began on April 8.

Lazaro explained that even prior to the ceasefire, the DMW and the Department of Foreign Affairs had actively been attending to the welfare of Filipino nationals. "As of today, we have already repatriated more than 5,000 of our OFWs. And, of course, there's another government agency in charge while they're here. So, it is continuous," she noted.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has also been involved, acting on a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The department reported providing assistance to over 2,500 OFWs affected by the Middle Eastern conflict.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac highlighted that over 2,200 Filipinos are still awaiting repatriation, which hinges on the evolving situation in the Middle East. The Department of Budget and Management has authorized the release of nearly PHP1 billion, with about PHP800 million allocated to the DMW, to assist Filipinos returning home from the region.

To date, the government has successfully repatriated a total of 5,400 OFWs and their dependents.