A total of 15 overseas Filipino workers, along with three children, were repatriated from Lebanon amid the threat of conflict escalation in the Middle East country, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Thursday, Aug. 22.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said an additional 45 Filipinos are also expected to be repatriated this week.
“Beyond repatriation, our efforts include on-site monitoring and engagement with the Filipino community to manage crises effectively,” Cacdac said.
He urged Filipinos in Lebanon to evacuate due to rising tensions between Hezbollah and the Israeli military.
“We are actively monitoring the situation and have crisis plans ready for implementation if conditions worsen. For now, we urge our workers to return home,” Cacdac said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued Alert Level 3 for Lebanon, the second-highest level, prohibiting the deployment of workers and voluntary repatriation.
The Philippines has set up a shelter program as part of its evacuation strategy to facilitate the repatriation of its citizens.
“We are prepared, as instructed by the President, to assist both abroad and domestically. We will welcome returning citizens with a whole-of-government team appointed by the President," Cacdac noted.
Since the onset of the tensions, the DMW has repatriated a total of 365 individuals. Currently, approximately 1,000 Filipinos are seeking repatriation from Lebanon.
“A total of 1,000 Filipinos have expressed a desire to return, with 300 having already returned. About 700 are still waiting. We should explore ways to encourage the remaining individuals to proceed with their repatriation,” Cacdac said.
The Philippine ambassador in Beirut issued a notice over the weekend urging Filipinos to return home.
The DMW recommends that Filipinos in Lebanon who wish to return to the Philippines contact (+63) 21348 or use the local DMW-OWWA hotline at 1348.
Both documented and undocumented Filipinos can also reach out to +961 79110729, while dependents with permanent resident status should contact +961 70858086.