The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on Saturday that approximately 8,600 Filipinos have been repatriated from the Middle East since the escalation of hostilities in the Gulf region.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac attributed the successful return of these overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the “whole-of-government” approach mandated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety of citizens caught in the conflict zones.
“Ito ay [dahil sa] ating patuloy na pagtulong dito sa mga nauwi at pagpapaigting ng ating whole of government approach ayon sa direktiba ng ating Pangulo,” Cacdac stated during a press briefing.
Beyond land-based workers, the DMW is also closely monitoring the safety of Filipino mariners operating in high-risk maritime corridors.
Cacdac reported that roughly 1,300 Filipino seafarers have successfully and safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic but volatile waterway. As of the report, 14 other crew members are currently in the process of traversing the same area.
The Secretary reassured the migrant worker community that the administration remains committed to refining its emergency protocols and providing comprehensive assistance to those affected by the ongoing instability.
“Patuloy lang ang pagbibigay natin ng assistance sa ating mga OFWs at ating tripulante,” he added.
The government’s assistance package for repatriates includes financial aid, psychosocial support, and job placement services to help them transition back into the local workforce or find safer employment opportunities elsewhere.