The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed the arrival of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who signed up for repatriation from war-torn Lebanon this weekend.
In a press conference held in Malacañang, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said 192 OFWs are already booked in at least two commercial flights from October 11 to 28.
Meanwhile, the repatriation documents of 413 individuals are still pending with the Lebanese immigration authorities.
Cacdac acknowledged the bureaucratic processes involved in securing exit clearances for the OFWs in question.
He said they are in constant coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and its counterparts in Lebanon to speed things up in accordance with President Marcos’ directives.
“The directive is clear. It’s to mobilize government resources, government assets to bring our Filipinos home and at present that is being worked out,” Cacdac told reporters.
“As to the details, we would not yet divulge any more details other than that because we are at the sensitive preparatory details. Rest assured there will be an adequate announcement once the transport arrangements have been finalized,” he added.
Cacdac also mentioned that many OFWs, particularly those working as domestic helpers, opted out of repatriation for economic and emotional reasons.
The DMW chief reiterated they are willing to extend financial assistance to returning OFWs by as much as P150,000, which is enough to cover four months’ worth of salary. This is separate from what was also offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
He said there are at least 179 Filipinos in Lebanon that are currently being hosted by the Philippine government in four shelters across Beirut amid the ongoing Israeli airstrikes.
House Deputy Majority leader Erwin Tulfo meanwhile announced a cash assistance program of P150,000 for each OFW returning from Lebanon.
Tulfo emphasized the need for Congress to be informed about the repatriation efforts for Filipinos trapped in Lebanon, as stated by OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio.
Tulfo said that based on a briefing given by Ignacio, there are still 100,000 Filipinos in Lebanon.
Ignacio encouraged OFWs to return temporarily for their safety as they await a resolution to the conflict.
Tulfo confirmed that Congress is closely monitoring situations not only in Lebanon but also in Israel and Iran.
He noted that Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has instructed the Appropriations Committee to prepare additional funding if necessary for repatriation efforts across conflict-affected areas in the Middle East.
