DMW says 24,145 OFWs from Zamboanga Peninsula are affected by Middle East tensions, as 299 Filipinos return safely to the Philippines. (Image by Facebook/ DMW Facebook Page)
MANILA, Philippines — A total of 24,145 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the Zamboanga Peninsula are affected by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
DMW-9 Regional Director Gay Iris Tangcalagan said the affected workers are in the following areas such as United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Israel, Oman, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
Tangcalagan said that based on the agency’s monitoring, there have been no reported casualties among OFWs from the Zamboanga Peninsula. She added that the workers are safe and continue to report for work.
She advised OFWs who wish to return home to coordinate with DMW offices or Philippine posts abroad for possible repatriation. The agency is also coordinating with other government offices to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipino workers in the region.
Meanwhile, the Philippine government welcomed home 299 Filipinos affected by the escalating tensions in the Middle East on Thursday, March 5.
The returnees arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City from Dubai via Emirates Flight 336.
Among them were 23 OFWs and two children of OFWs. Authorities said some of the returnees came home for safety as advised by their employers, while others had completed their contracts or decided to return to the Philippines for personal reasons.
A whole-of-government team led by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac received the returnees at the airport and assured them of government assistance as directed by Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr..
“Sa ngalan ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., welcome home po. We are thankful that you are all safe,” Cacdac said, also expressing gratitude to Emirates and the UAE government for assisting the Filipino workers.
The returnees received immediate financial assistance through the DMW AKSYON Fund. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration provided accommodation and transport services, while the Department of Health extended medical assistance and the Department of Social Welfare and Development offered psychosocial support.
The DMW has also opened a 24/7 public assistance desk to respond to concerns and assist OFWs and their families.
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