Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo (Facebook)

House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs Chairman Rep. Ron Salo lauded the collective effort of government agencies in the continued repatriation of Filipinos affected by the conflict in Gaza. 

Salo commended the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and, in particular, the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs for undertaking the necessary efforts. 

"I also commend our Embassy in Cairo led by Ambassador Ezzedin Tago, Embassy in Jordan under Ambassador Wilfredo Santos, and Embassy in Tel Aviv under Ambassador Pedro Laylo, for their unrelenting efforts to ensure the safe passage of our returning countrymen," the Kabayan Party-list solon said. 

"The proactive approach and dedication exhibited by our officials have been instrumental in this operation, showcasing the unwavering commitment to the welfare of our citizens abroad," Salo stressed. 

He joined DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo, Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega, and Administrator Arnel Ignacio at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in welcoming the repatriates from Gaza. 

A total of 35 individuals--34 Filipinos and 1 Palestinian spouse--flew into the country on Friday. 

Six individuals from the original group of 40 did not travel with the batch. Three family members chose to remain in Egypt with the Egyptian husband. Meanwhile, a 38-week pregnant wife, with her mother and child, was unable to travel. 

The DFA has also confirmed that 56 more Filipinos from Gaza are en route to Cairo, Egypt. 

This brings the total number of repatriated Filipinos to 98. 

"Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our people. We stand united in supporting the repatriation efforts and will continue working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the seamless return of every Filipino affected by the situation in Gaza," Salo said. 

“We thank the entire Filipino people for their prayers and support for the safe return of our fellow Filipinos caught in the Israel-Hamas war,” he added. --Dexter Barro II