MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has successfully repatriated the first batch of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)announced Tuesday, June 24.

Composed of 26 OFWs from Israel, three from Jordan, one from Palestine, and one from Qatar, the repatriates arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City aboard QR 934, accompanied by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and Assistant Secretary Veneciao Legaspi from Amman, Jordan.

The repatriation, done in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), fulfills President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the safety and security of Filipinos overseas.

“We experienced flight delays due to airspace restrictions, but what’s really important is that we are here at home, safe and sound,” Cacdac said, referring to the group’s delayed departure following a temporary closure of Qatari airspace due to external attacks.

Each repatriate received ₱150,000 in financial assistance from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), along with airport assistance, temporary shelter, or onward transport to their home provinces.

Top government officials, including DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, DSWD Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez, TESDA Deputy Director General Felizardo Colambo, and DFA Assistant Secretary Robert Ferrer, were also present at the airport to offer psychosocial support, medical care, and reintegration services.

Herbosa said the DOH is closely monitoring two repatriates—a cancer patient and a pregnant OFW—and will extend mental health services to all returnees.

The DMW’s National Reintegration Center for OFWs will assist returnees in launching livelihood ventures, securing new job opportunities, or availing of TESDA skills training vouchers and DTI business development support.

“We stand ready to assist those who are willing to be repatriated,” said Cacdac, urging OFWs in conflict zones to avail of the voluntary repatriation program, which is backed by a whole-of-government approach under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda.

OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan emphasized the joy of family reunions during the emotional homecoming. “Pinaka mahalaga at pinaka importante ang saya at pagmamahal na nadarama ng bawat pamilya sa pagdating ng ating mga OFWs sa gabing ito,” she said.

As of latest count, the DMW has received 311 repatriation requests from OFWs in Israel, with 50 more expected to arrive home soon.