8 more OFWs back from Lebanon

Eight more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arrived in the country from Lebanon on Sunday afternoon, the Department of Migrant Workers said.

In a Facebook post, the DMW said this brings the total of Filipinos repatriated since the government’s voluntary repatriation program to 450 OFWs and 28 dependents.

They will each receive immediate financial assistance worth P75,000 each from the agency and P75,000 from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

They will also be given livelihood assistance worth P20,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and skills training vouchers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

“The DMW expects more OFW returnees from Lebanon with the intensified efforts of the Philippine government to repatriate Filipinos to further ensure their safety amidst the escalating Israel-Hezbollah conflict,” DMW said.

On Saturday, DMW reported that nine OFWs returned from Lebanon.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants has intensified in recent weeks, with Israel bombing southern Lebanon, Beirut's southern suburbs and the Bekaa Valley, and sending ground troops across the border.

Hezbollah for its part has fired rockets deeper into Israel.

The Israeli campaign has forced approximately 1.2 million people from their homes since Sept. 23, according to the Lebanese government.

DMW said over 500 Filipinos in Lebanon have sought repatriation so far, while President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has maintained Alert Level 3 in Lebanon, which means voluntary repatriation. — Mariel Celine Serquiña with a report from Reuters/BM, GMA Integrated News