The second batch of remains of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Saudi Arabia arrived in the country on Sunday.
The remains of the 88 OFWs arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City on board two flights.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., and other government officials were present in the ceremony honoring the repatriated heroes.
Bello said a grand reception was well deserved by the repatriated bodies of Filipino migrant workers “who fought a good fight” overseas.
"I say they fought a good fight because just like what our migrant workers are known for, they worked tirelessly to try and make good decisions and help others," he said.
“In pursuit of change in the world around them, Filipino migrant workers chose to earn a living abroad so they can provide better future for their families,” Bello added.
Of the 88 OFWs, the Labor department said, 57 died from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while 31 died from other causes.
DOLE added that 28 of the OFWs were from Dhahran, 11 from Jeddah, and 39 from Riyadh.
Last July 10, the first batch of the more than 200 deceased OFWs from Saudi Arabia was flown back in the country.
The first batch consisted of 49 dead OFWs from Dammam and Riyadh.
Last July 12, the Labor department announced that the repatriation of the second batch of remains has been moved to a week in order to fly home more dead OFWs.
The arrival of their remains were set July 14.