MANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported that a total of 1,315 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents affected by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East have been assisted by the government and safely returned to the Philippines.

From March 5 to March 14, the figure included 1,022 OFWs and 293 dependents who were repatriated or stranded under the Bagong Pilipinas Repatriation Program, according to the DMW.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the government is prioritizing OFWs in high-risk areas, those who are ill, or those with other humanitarian concerns while arrangements for their safe return are being made.

The DMW also emphasized continued coordination with multiple government agencies to ensure immediate assistance for affected migrant workers.

“Sa direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., tinitiyak ng DMW ang tuloy-tuloy na koordinasyon ng pamahalaan upang matulungan ang mga apektadong OFW sa ibat-ibang paraan kabilang ang airport assistance, financial aid, repatriation at reintegration services, upang matiyak ang kanilang kaligtasan at muling pagbangon,” the DMW said in a statement posted on Facebook.

(Under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the DMW ensures continuous government coordination to assist affected OFWs in various ways, including airport assistance, financial aid, repatriation, and reintegration services, to ensure their safety and help them recover and rebuild their lives.)

The evacuations come amid escalating tensions following airstrikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, which have also hit civilian areas and energy facilities. Iran has responded with attacks on Israel and U.S.-allied states in the Gulf.

The Department of Foreign Affairs estimates that 2.4 million Filipinos live and work across the Middle East.