DMW: More than 24,000 OFWs from Zamboanga Peninsula affected by Middle East tension
By Liza Jocson
TANGCALANGAN
ZAMBOANGA CITY – A total of 24,145 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Zamboanga Peninsula or Region 9 are affected by the ongoing tension in the Middle East, the Department of Migrant Workers-Region 9 (DMW-9) said.
DMW-9 Regional Director Gay Iris Tangcalagan said affected workers were deployed to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Israel, Oman, Jordan, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.
She said based on continuous monitoring, there are no casualties from Region 9 and was assured that they are safe and reporting for work.
Tangcalangan advised OFWs to contact their offices abroad if they decide to be repatriated. The DMW is constantly coordinating with concerned agencies for their safety, she added.
The DMW has opened a 24/7 public assistance desk to assist workers.