20 OFWs repatriated from Israel

More than 20 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been repatriated from Israel as part of the Philippine government’s voluntary repatriation program amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

According to a dzBB report by Mao dela Cruz on Saturday, the repatriated OFWs were met at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by representatives from the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and a medical team.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provided the repatriates with food, transportation, financial assistance, and hotel accommodations as needed.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has called for a peaceful resolution to the escalating conflict in the region.

“The Philippines is gravely concerned over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the increasing tensions in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon,” Marcos stated during the ASEAN-East Asia Summit.

He urged all parties to avoid escalating violence and to work toward a peaceful resolution.

In October, President Marcos directed the government to mobilize “all available assets” to ensure the safety and timely repatriation of Filipinos in the Middle East.

“We are now going to evacuate our people by whatever means – by air or by sea,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of preparedness: “And, just make all the preparations so that malapit na lahat ng asset natin. Kung may barko tayong kukunin, nandiyan na malapit na sa Beirut na sandali lang basta’t the Embassy gives us the clearance and they say that our people can go, mailabas na kaagad natin so that hindi sila naghihintay ng matagal in danger areas."

(Make all the necessary arrangements so that all assets are positioned nearby. If we need ships, they should already be close to Beirut. As soon as the Embassy gives clearance, we can quickly evacuate our people, avoiding long waits in dangerous areas.) — DVM, GMA Integrated News