By Marita Moaje
MANILA – A total of 99 Filipinos from Kuwait arrived safely in the country on Monday as the government intensified repatriation efforts amid tensions in the Middle East.
In a social media post, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said the group —73 overseas Filipino workers and 26 dependents— landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 aboard a Gulf Air flight after traveling by land to Dammam, Saudi Arabia for their onward trip to Manila.
“Sa gitna ng limitadong flights at saradong airspace, tinatawid sila mula Kuwait patungong Saudi Arabia para masigurong makasakay sa kanilang flights pauwi ng Pilipinas (Despite limited flights and closed airspace, they are being transported from Kuwait to Saudi Arabia to ensure they can board their flights back to the Philippines),” OWWA said.
Upon arrival, personnel from OWWA and the Department of Migrant Workers provided assistance, including food, transportation, temporary shelter, and other support services.
“Pagdating sa bansa, hindi sila pababayaan. Nakaantabay ang pamahalaan para tiyakin ang kanilang ligtas at maayos na pagbalik (Upon arriving in the country, they will not be abandoned. The government is ready to ensure their safe and orderly return),” it added.
OWWA said another 99 Filipinos are expected to arrive Tuesday and 191 more on Thursday, bringing the total number of repatriates from Kuwait to 530 by week’s end.
The effort is being carried out under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as part of a whole-of-government approach to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos abroad. (PNA)
