Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is preparing for the arrival of the second batch of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from Israel due to the Israel-Iran conflict. 'Mayroon po tayong ina-arrange na mga OFWs na maaari pong this weekend, may pinaplantsa lang po tayong arrangement in terms of their flight details (We are arranging for OFWs who can come this weekend, we are just ironing out arrangements in terms of their flight details),' Migrant Workers Undersecretary Felicitas Bay said in an interview over PTV's Bagong Pilipinas on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Bay mentioned that this weekend, there could be 20 OFWs arriving, with further arrangements being made for subsequent batches. Currently, 346 OFWs in Israel have expressed their desire to return to the Philippines. Earlier this week, 26 OFWs arrived, accompanied by DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.

The Philippine government has extended various forms of support to 562 OFWs, including financial assistance, temporary shelter, food packs, and psychosocial counseling services. Bay stated that there are four Migrant Workers Office (MWO) shelters in Israel. Two of these are currently housing 29 displaced OFWs, while the other two remain on standby.

Some OFWs who initially wished to return have decided to stay, following a ceasefire announcement, hoping for further de-escalation of tensions. Bay assured that if the situation worsens, the DMW, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is ready to implement contingency measures.

The Philippine government, through its embassies in Tel Aviv, Amman, and Doha, is actively collaborating with the governments of Israel, Jordan, Qatar, and other Middle Eastern countries to ensure the safety and welfare of OFWs.