The Philippine government successfully repatriated 290 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families from Lebanon amid escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) collaborated closely to coordinate the chartered flight, following orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who emphasized the importance of protecting Filipinos in conflict zones. This marks a major effort to bring Filipino citizens home safely and secure their well-being as tensions rise in the Middle East.
The repatriates, consisting of 233 OFWs, 13 dependents, 21 overseas Filipinos (OFs), and 23 family members, departed from Beirut on Flight MYW9071. The plane, arranged by DMW, DFA, and the Philippine Embassy in Turkey, made a refueling stop at Doha International Airport in Qatar. During the stopover, Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Lilibeth Pono and DMW Migrant Workers Office Attaché in Qatar, Don Albert Philippe Pangcog, greeted the repatriated Filipinos, ensuring they felt the support of the government throughout their journey home.
Government Response and Repatriation Efforts
As the situation in Lebanon becomes increasingly volatile, the DMW has prioritized the swift evacuation of Filipino citizens. According to DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, this mission aligns with President Marcos Jr.’s directive to remove Filipinos from harm’s way by any means necessary. The Philippine government has coordinated with Lebanese authorities to streamline the repatriation process, securing necessary travel documentation for departing OFWs and their families. Secretary Cacdac reported to the president that collaborative efforts between Philippine embassies and migrant worker offices in the region are essential to ensuring the safety of Filipino citizens.
The DFA has also highlighted the united efforts of its regional offices, especially in Beirut and Doha, to implement this critical operation. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo reaffirmed that the DFA remains fully committed to the safe return of Filipinos abroad. This repatriation brings the total number of Filipinos evacuated from Lebanon in recent weeks to 903, including 47 dependents.
Support and Aid for Repatriated Filipinos
To support those awaiting departure in Lebanon, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Beirut continues to provide food, shelter, and other necessities to 69 Filipinos who have taken refuge in shelters. As the government encourages voluntary repatriation, officials assure Filipinos of the comprehensive support they will receive upon arrival in the Philippines. Secretary Cacdac emphasized the “whole-of-government” approach, an initiative led by President Marcos Jr. to deliver substantial financial aid, employment support, and essential services to those impacted.
Upon their arrival, each repatriated Filipino will receive PHP75,000 in assistance through the DMW’s AKSYON fund, with additional support from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This monetary aid aims to alleviate the financial strain for returning OFWs and assist them in reestablishing their lives. For medical and psychological needs, the Department of Health (DOH) will offer free consultations and psychological first aid.
Reintegration and Employment Assistance Programs
To support long-term reintegration, the DMW’s National Reintegration Center for OFWs will offer returning OFWs access to livelihood programs, alternative employment options, and skills training vouchers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). These resources will help repatriates adjust to life back in the Philippines, whether through starting small businesses, acquiring new skills, or finding new employment.
In light of the current instability, the Philippine government has raised Alert Level 3 in Lebanon, allowing Filipino citizens to voluntarily repatriate. This alert level reflects the government’s precautionary stance, urging Filipinos to prioritize their safety as the conflict intensifies.
Rising Tensions in the Middle East
The renewed conflict in the Middle East has triggered hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, sparking concern for the safety of nearly 11,000 Filipinos residing in Lebanon. The Philippine government has strongly encouraged those in Lebanon to consider repatriation, as the safety of Filipinos in these conflict-prone areas remains paramount.
Talks of using chartered flights to repatriate the OFWs in Lebanon has been on the table since over a month ago, after hundreds of repatriation requests poured in amid the ongoing conflict. Learn more about this from this news clip posted by PTV Philippines: