The first batch of the Filipinos who were repatriated from Israel arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Wednesday, Oct. 18.
The 17 Filipinos, including a child, were received by officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) who facilitated their travel to the country on board Etihad Airlines.
DMW officer-in-charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the first batch was composed of overseas Filipino workers, mainly caregivers, and a child.
"They will continuously be assisted, including their travel to their respective home towns," said Cacdac.
Cacdac said the national government shouldered all the expenses, adding that they will also be given financial assistance.
The repatriation came after several OFWs asked the national governemnt for them to be flown back to the Philippines amid the security situation in Israel.
There are 30,500 OFWs in Israel and all of them have already informed the DMW and the DFA that they are safe.