By Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Wednesday welcomed the return of 84 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and one dependent from Israel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said a whole-of-government team is in close collaboration in bringing home OFWs, especially from countries affected by ongoing conflicts, providing them with immediate assistance and all the necessary support from the government, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“The President gave clear directives over last year to help our kababayans (countrymen), our OFWs, in at least four affected areas, Israel, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza. We stand continually ready to assist and support our kababayans who wish to go home for safety and security,” Cacdac said.
He said that the DMW constantly reminds the remaining OFWs in the region to follow the instructions of the Israeli Home Front Command, as well as the advice of the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office in Tel Aviv during emergencies.
Cacdac said there are around 2,000 OFWs in Northern Israel.
The department is closely coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs as they monitor the situation in the Middle East to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos in the region.
He said that in case the situation further escalates, evacuation plans for six districts in Israel have already been prepared by the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv.
Meanwhile, the Migrant Workers Office in Israel has been tasked to provide transportation, provision of food, emergency supplies, and temporary shelter to affected OFWs.
Israel remains under Alert Level 2, while Lebanon is under Alert Level 3. All Filipinos in the said areas are advised to prepare for evacuation if necessary. (PNA)