Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo (Rep. Salo's office)

Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo is calling on all Filipinos in Lebanon to take advantage of the free repatriation being offered amid the rising tensions there. 

“I urge our kababayans in Lebanon to seize this opportunity to return home safely and at no cost,” said Salo, former chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs. 

He told Filipinos to take immediate action and leave while airports remain operational. 

"Take this as an opportunity not only to ensure your safety but also to be with your families. There is no greater comfort than being in the arms of your loved ones during times of uncertainty,” Salo said. 

Lebanon is currently under Crisis Alert Level 3 (Voluntary Repatriation), which is activated when violent disturbances or external aggression occur in a limited area. Under this alert level, Filipinos are strongly encouraged to return to the Philippines, with all repatriation expenses covered by the employers’, or if not possible, the government. 

Prior to the call for voluntary repatriation, Lebanon has long been under deployment ban. 

Salo noted that there's an estimated 11,000 Filipinos currently in Lebanon, including those who are undocumented. 

“The risks on the safety and security of our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) in Lebanon are high. I encourage them to prioritize their safety and well-being by availing of this free repatriation service by our government,” he added. 

Meanwhile, the party-list congressman commended the Marcos administration for doing an "admirable job" in repatriating many Filipinos. 

"But we must remain vigilant. The situation can change rapidly, and it is crucial that all Filipinos wishing to return home can do so without delay,” Salo said.