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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Go urges gov't to fast-track OFW repatriation as tension heightens in Gaza

Go urges gov't to fast-track OFW repatriation as tension heightens in Gaza

Published Nov 6, 2023 01:52 am

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday, November 6 called on the government to expedite its repatriation program for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as violence escalates in Gaza amid the ongoing confict between Israel and the Hamas group.

Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and vice chairman of the committee on migrant workers, said he is concerned about the health and safety of the Filipinos caught in the Gaza crossfire.

"Filipinos wherever they are in the world, especially OFWs who are considered modern-day heroes, must be given utmost attention and care especially in their time of need. Their safety is non-negotiable," Go stated.

“We must act with urgency to bring our kababayans to safety. The government must mobilize all its resources to assist our OFWs in these perilous times,” the senator said.

But beyond repatriation, Go urged the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to also prepare for reintegration programs for these repatriated OFWs.

“Bringing them home is just the beginning. We need to ensure that they are supported in rebuilding their lives, with opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship back home,” he added.

The DFA earlier said it is considering elevating the alert level in northern Israel by next week if the situation continues to worsen. This would signal increased danger for Filipinos in the region and further necessitate government action.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Israeli government has assured that Filipinos in Gaza will be permitted to depart immediately. The Philippine Embassy in Cairo is also ready to facilitate the Filipinos' passage through the Rafah border.

However, there is still reluctance among some Filipinos, especially those with Palestinian spouses, to abandon their families.

Go said his office will continues to closely monitor the situation, and coordinate with relevant agencies to offer assistance to affected OFWs and their families.

Related Tags

Bong Go Overseas Fililpino Workers (OFWs) Gaza Strip Israel-Hamas conflict
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