A total of 81 overseas Filipino workers stranded amid tensions in the Middle East have safely returned to the Philippines through coordinated government repatriation efforts.
Officials from the Department of Migrant Workers confirmed the development, saying the returning workers were assisted through collaboration among several government agencies.
The repatriation was carried out as part of contingency measures designed to assist Filipinos affected by instability in parts of the Middle East.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac earlier assured overseas workers that the government remains committed to protecting Filipinos abroad.
“The safety and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers remain our top priority,” Cacdac said in earlier statements on government assistance programs.
Philippine embassies and consulates in the region have been closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with Filipino communities overseas.
Returning OFWs were welcomed upon arrival and provided with immediate assistance, including initial reintegration support.
Authorities said returning workers may also receive employment counseling and livelihood assistance to help them transition back to work in the Philippines.
Government officials emphasized that contingency plans remain in place should more Filipinos require evacuation.
They also reiterated that embassies and consulates remain on alert as they continue monitoring developments in the region.