More than 1,000 Filipino seafarers have safely left the Persian Gulf as tensions in the Middle East continue to affect maritime operations, Malacañang said Thursday, as the government steps up repatriation and assistance efforts for overseas workers in the region.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said 1,161 Filipino seafarers aboard 22 vessels began departing the Gulf as early as April 18 due to rising security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict.
In a briefing, Castro said Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reported to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that 412 Filipino seafarers remain in the Gulf but are in safe condition, with sufficient supplies and continued monitoring.
She added that the government is coordinating with stakeholders, including Zamil Offshore, to ensure the safety and eventual return of affected workers.
“Ibinalita rin ng kalihim sa Pangulo ang ginagawang mga hakbang ng pamahalaan upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng iba pang marino na nananatili pa sa Persian Gulf, kabilang ang 412 seafarers na nasa mabuting kalagayan, ligtas at may sapat na supply ng kanilang pangangailangan,” Castro said.
The Philippine government, through Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Raymond Balatbat, is also coordinating with Saudi Labor Minister Ahmad bin Sulaiman Alrajhi to safeguard overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid regional instability.
Castro said around 30 Filipino workers recently returned from Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number of repatriated Filipinos from the Middle East to 7,144.
“Nananatiling prayoridad ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang kaligtasan at seguridad ng mga OFWs sa ibayong dagat sa kabila ng tensyon doon,” she added.
Assistance for returning workers
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has provided more than P3.2 million in assistance to OFWs affected by the Middle East conflict as of April 23.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Ada Colico said 3,260 OFWs have been assisted under the agency’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), including 2,851 repatriated workers and 409 stranded at airports during the escalation of tensions.
Colico said assistance includes psychosocial support, livelihood aid, medical assistance, and cash support for reintegration.
“In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DSWD extended psychosocial first aid, financial assistance, livelihood support, and medical aid to help returning OFWs,” she said.
The initiative is part of the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) framework, which coordinates a whole-of-government response.
Some beneficiaries received up to P20,000 in livelihood assistance, while one OFW received P300,000 in medical aid, according to the DSWD.
Colico said coordination with the DMW and other agencies continues to ensure proper reintegration support.
Aid for transport workers
In a separate initiative, the DSWD and private partners assisted with public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Metro Manila through a free breakfast program and distribution of vegetable packs.
The event, held at the Walang Gutom Kitchen in Pasay City, was led by Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, along with DSWD officials and Rural Rising Philippines co-founder Andi Estrada.
Drivers were served meals, engaged with officials, and received family food packs and vegetables sourced from local farmers.
Gatchalian said the Walang Gutom Kitchen remains open daily for free breakfast and lunch as part of government support for transport workers.
The DSWD said the initiative aims to help drivers cope with rising living costs, noting that every peso saved contributes to household needs.