Manila: The government repatriation program for Filipinos wishing to return home from Israel is ongoing, with the latest group of 13 hotel workers and caregivers arriving safely on July 4, 2025, at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1. This reflects the continued efforts of the whole-of-government team in assisting distressed workers in the Middle East.
According to Philippines News Agency, upon arrival, the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) underwent health checks and received immediate financial assistance. This support is provided through various channels, including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration's emergency repatriation fund, social and welfare development assistance, and training vouchers. The DMW emphasized that this broad support aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to offer comprehensive reintegration assistance to returning OFWs from Israel.
Josephine Sanglitan Sandoi, one of the repatriated caregivers, shared her experience of leaving Israel after nearly two decades. She was part of a group of workers who found themselves taking cover inside a shelter when a missile struck nearby. The new batch of returnees was warmly welcomed by DMW Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay, Assistant Secretary Maria Angela Galias, OWWA Deputy Administrator Ryan Uy, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the airport medical team.
"Hindi madali ang inyong pinagdaanan sa ibang bansa lalo na sa gitna ng kaguluhan, kaya naman sisiguraduhin namin na mabibigyan kayo ng sapat na tulong at suporta sa inyong reintegration (What you went through abroad was not easy, especially in the middle of a conflict, which is why we will ensure that you are given enough support for reintegration)," Tutay assured the repatriates. "Wala na pong iniisip ang ating mahal na Pangulo kundi ang inyong kaligtasan (All our President thinks about is your safety)."
Based on the latest data from the Philippine Embassy in Israel, a total of 47 OFWs have availed of the voluntary repatriation flight provided by the government following Israel's assault on Iran last month.
