By Marita Moaje
MANILA – A total of 299 Filipinos, including children, affected by the escalating tension in the Middle East region arrived in the country on Thursday and received government assistance upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac led a whole-of-government team in welcoming the returnees, assuring all the necessary assistance and support from the government.
“Sa ngalan ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, welcome home po. We are thankful that you are all safe. Also, we are much thankful sa Emirates, sa UAE government sa pag aalaga sa inyo, sa pag prepare ng (In the name of our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, welcome home. We are thankful that you are all safe. Also, we are very thankful to Emirates, to the UAE government for taking care of you, for preparing) the flight to Manila as we provide support,” Cacdac said.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez, in a news release, said the passenger manifest included a mix of repatriated Filipinos and other affected travelers seeking to return home amid the regional tension.
The Department of Migrant Workers said out of the 299 Filipinos repatriated, 23 are OFWs with two children.
The DMW extended immediate financial aid through its AKSYON Fund, while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration provided accommodation and transportation services, and the Department of Health administered medical assistance.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development provided psychosocial interventions to help the OFWs cope with stress resulting from the conflict.
The group, including infants and children, was composed of OFWs who opted to return home as advised by their employers, some finished their contract, while some returned home for good for personal reasons.
Malacañang earlier assured the public that contingency measures remain in place to assist Filipinos abroad, including OFWs, should regional tensions further escalate. (PNA)
