MANILA, Philippines — Eighteen overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East have safely returned to the Philippines, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced.

The OFWs, originally bound for Tel Aviv, Israel and Amman, Jordan, were stranded in Dubai following the shutdown of major airports amid rising regional tensions. They arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 aboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR 659.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, alongside Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, welcomed the returning OFWs and assured them of continued government support.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. gave clear directives to assist our kababayans amid the crisis. We are fully committed to ensuring their safety and well-being,” Cacdac said.

While in Dubai, the DMW’s Migrant Workers Office provided airport assistance, food, and logistical support prior to the repatriation. Upon arrival, the workers received immediate aid through the DMW AKSYON Fund and additional assistance from a whole-of-government team.

The DMW said reintegration support through the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) is being arranged, including livelihood aid, skills training, and redeployment options.

The department also established a 24/7 Middle East Help Desk and published emergency contact numbers for OFWs in Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan. OFWs and their families in need of urgent assistance may call the DMW-OWWA 1348 Hotline or its international number, +632 1348.

DMW reminded OFWs in affected areas to stay indoors, remain vigilant, and coordinate only with official government sources to avoid the spread of misinformation. The department, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of National Defense, continues to monitor the situation closely.