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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider At least 109 OFWs in Israel seeking repatriation; DMW waiting for air space to open

At least 109 OFWs in Israel seeking repatriation; DMW waiting for air space to open

Published Jun 17, 2025 02:56 pm
Smoke billows after an Iranian missile struck an oil refinery in Haifa, northern Israel, early Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Smoke billows after an Iranian missile struck an oil refinery in Haifa, northern Israel, early Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
At least 109 overseas Filipino workers have signified intention to go back to the Philippines due to the escalating air raids and missile attacks between Israel and Iran, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Tuesday, June 17.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said they are continuously monitoring the situation in Israel to come up with the measures for the immediate repatriation of OFWs already on their list.
“The air space and airports are currently closed, hopefully, we would have the opportunity for repatriation once there would be an opening of air space,” said Cacdac in an interview over GMA.
Of the 109 OFWs from Israel on their list, Cacdac said 85 of them have already signified the intention to leave before Israel conducted air raids in key facilities in Iran on Friday last week.
He said 25 more OFWs were listed in the past few days, after the first wave of ballistic missiles from Iran that hit key areas in Israel.
“Currently, we have 109 OFWs in the list, and counting. The number of OFWs who want to be repatriated is a continuing count,” said Cacdac.
Cacdac said they are looking into other measures on how to bring OFWs on the repatriation list to a safe ground where they would be pick for their travel back to the Philippines.
But in the meantime, he said they are still monitoring the situation in Israel, particularly on the aspect of a possible ceasefire through the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Cacdac also disclosed that the DMW has been in constant coordination with the office of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro regarding the repatriation plan.
‘Manalig kayo’
Cacdac assured OFWs not only in Israel but also in other areas in the Middle East of the government’s support amid the ongoing conflict.
“We assure you that we will take care of you, especially those in the areas heavily affected by the explosions,” said Cacdac, adding that they are continuously monitoring the situation.
Earlier, Cacdac said they extended assistance to 14 OFWs who survived the missile attack on a residential building in Rehovot City in Israel.
He added that they are also extending all the necessary support to an OFW who is in critical condition after being affected by the missile blast in Israel.
The DMW also repatriated 18 Filipinos bound for Jordan who were stranded in Dubai.
Avoid sharing fake news
Cacdac also advised OFWs to refrain from participating in any social media political discussion regarding the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
“Don’t participate in any discussion, especially in spreading fake news,” said Cacdac.
Instead, he said OFWs should listen to the safety protocol of the host countries.
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