Manila: For the 24 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from the Russian Federation after nearly nine months in detention, the moment of their release was sudden and unexpected. In an interview upon their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Sunday, one repatriated OFW shared that this was exactly their prayer upon learning of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s visit to Russia to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and to attend the Russia-ASEAN Summit.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said the repatriated OFWs arrived in Manila in two batches on Sunday. The first group of six women landed around midnight, followed by 18 others, including 16 women and two men, at about 4:05 a.m.
Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the release was secured following a request made by President Marcos during his bilateral meeting with Putin in Kazan on June 17. "This is, I think, the first time na the next day, nung ni-request ng Pangulo, the next day lumabas, pinalabas sila (after the President requested, the following day they were released). I think this is also a testimony of the kind of relations that we have started and probably evolving and developing," she said.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac assured that the government is providing financial aid and reintegration support, including livelihood programs. Cacdac said this is in accordance with President Marcos' directive to assist the workers. "Tayo ay nagsasagawa na ng mga implementasyon ng pagtulong sa kanilang pagbalik (We are already implementing assistance measures for their return)," he said.
Aside from the free plane ticket and financial aid, Cacdac said OWWA is covering hotel accommodation and providing free domestic flights for those traveling to provinces across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Cacdac said the DMW will also be providing longer-term reintegration support, including employment facilitation, livelihood opportunities, and skills training, in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
"May ilang lumapit sa akin na isa ay may special child at yung dalawa ay may malubhang sakit ang kanilang magulang. So, ilalapit natin sa DOH Department of Health at Office of the President kung ano ang kabuuang lunas na maibibigay (Some approached me, one with a special child and the other two with parents suffering from serious illnesses. So, we will bring it to the DOH Department of Health and the Office of the President to see what comprehensive assistance can be provided)," he said.
Another repatriated worker expressed gratitude for their return and the assistance extended by the government. "Nagpapasalamat kami, una muna kay Lord and then President Bongbong Marcos (We are grateful, first to the Lord and then to President Bongbong Marcos)," she said. "Sir Bongbong Marcos maraming, maraming salamat dahil yung pagpunta niyo sa Russia yung naging sagot ng pag-uwi namin dito sa Pilipinas (Sir Bongbong Marcos, thank you very, very much because your trip to Russia was the answer to our return here to the Philippines)."
