Philippines Ramps Up Aid for OFWs Caught in Middle East Conflict
The Philippine government is stepping up efforts to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) impacted by the ongoing unrest between Israel and Iran. This commitment comes as the nation repatriates citizens caught in the crossfire and prepares for a possible escalation of tensions.
Repatriation Efforts Underway
On Monday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) welcomed 18 repatriated OFWs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City. The returning workers had been stranded in Dubai for 48 hours before their flight home.
“Her neck got stuck, and we are monitoring her now because she is in the ICU,”
—Hans Leo Cacdac, Migrant Workers Secretary
One OFW is in critical condition in an Israeli hospital’s intensive care unit. Another sustained moderate injuries during Iranian missile strikes near Tel Aviv. According to the DMW, the injured worker was in the Rehovot area during the attack.
The repatriated OFWs, 15 from Israel and three new hires from Jordan, received PHP50,000 in financial assistance upon their arrival. This aid serves as a temporary safety net amid employment disruptions.
Currently, the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv is closed, with a tentative reopening scheduled for April 30. The DMW is coordinating with Israeli and Philippine authorities regarding repatriation timing.
Government Support and Assistance
Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reported that welfare officers from the DMW and OWWA are providing support on the ground, including relocating OFWs to safer areas. The DMW is still gathering more detailed information about the incidents and coordinating with Israel-based personnel and the Philippine Embassy to provide assistance.
As of the latest count, 92 OFWs have registered for voluntary repatriation; 82 prior to the April 19 Iranian attacks, and 10 more after. Patricia Yvonne Caunan, OWWA Administrator, stated the agency is assisting in transporting repatriated OFWs back to their home provinces and offering temporary shelter in Manila.
Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said Israel remains under alert level 2, but this could increase based on the Philippine Embassy’s recommendation. Secretary Cacdac mentioned there are roughly 30,000 OFWs in Israel, though pinpointing those at immediate risk is difficult.
According to recent data, over 2 million Filipinos are working overseas, contributing significantly to the country’s economy (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2024).
Alert and Ongoing Coordination
Caunan has urged OFWs to monitor official channels for updates and to comply with local advisories. She encouraged people to stay connected through the DMW, OWWA, and embassy Facebook pages.
“Mandatory repatriation is based on alert levels. We are still coordinating with the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and DND (Department of National Defense) on this. But rest assured, we are ready if the situation worsens,” Cacdac said.
