Pasay City: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) assured that the Philippine government stands ready to provide immediate assistance, including repatriation, financial support, and reintegration aid to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the rising tensions between Iran and Israel.
According to Philippines News Agency, this voluntary repatriation effort is under Alert Level 3, with all necessary support in place for those choosing to return home. OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan emphasized the government's readiness during a press briefing at the OWWA main office. She highlighted the safety net available for OFWs deciding to come back.
Migrant Workers Undersecretary Felicitas Bay confirmed that 31 OFWs from conflict-affected areas were expected to arrive in Manila, accompanied by DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi. They flew over the weekend to assess the situation and oversee repatriation efforts personally. The group includes 26 OFWs from Israel, who crossed the border to reach Amman, Jordan, and additional OFWs from Amman and the West Bank.
The repatriation process faced complications due to the temporary closure of Qatari airspace following Iran's missile attacks, which delayed flights. Bay reported that 311 OFWs in Israel have requested repatriation, with 96 confirmed, including those arriving Tuesday. Another batch of 50 is scheduled for June 26 or 27, with 20 more being processed.
Bay and Caunan noted that many OFWs are weighing their options regarding the voluntary repatriation program due to safety concerns or personal and employment considerations. Bay acknowledged the hesitations due to land travel risks or strong ties with employers, emphasizing respect for their decision while continuing outreach efforts.
Caunan underscored that assistance extends to both documented and undocumented workers, following the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Each returning OFW will receive PHP150,000 in financial assistance, along with food, hygiene kits, counseling, and temporary shelter upon arrival. More than 470 OFWs in Israel have already received assistance on the ground.
DMW Assistance Secretary Dominique Tutay mentioned that the DMW and OWWA are coordinating with various agencies to support OFWs' reintegration. Programs include job placement through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), skills training via TESDA, and livelihood support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Caunan urged affected OFWs to reach authorities via the DMW-OWWA hotline 1348 and social media channels for real-time updates. She also stressed the importance of relying on official sources to avoid misinformation. The government is prepared with sufficient resources, citing OWWA's Emergency Repatriation Fund and the DMW's Action Fund, to assist OFWs affected by the Middle East conflict.
