Malacañang on Tuesday assured the public that the government is working to repatriate Filipinos who want to return to the Philippines amid continuing tensions in the Middle East.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is coordinating efforts to bring home overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the situation in the region.
Citing the latest report from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Castro said 16 OFWs traveled from Tel Aviv to Eilat, near the Egyptian border. The workers crossed through the Taba border to reach Egypt.
From there, the OFWs are scheduled to travel to Cairo before flying to Muscat, Oman. They are expected to depart for Manila on March 11.
Castro also reported that another group of OFWs is leaving from the United Arab Emirates. According to the DMW report, 20 OFWs in Dubai, accompanied by nine dependents, are set to travel from Dubai to Oman.
The group will cross the Khatmat-Milaha border in northern Oman before proceeding to Muscat. From the Omani capital, they are expected to board a flight bound for Manila.
In addition, Castro said some OFWs have secured commercial flight bookings through Emirates Airlines from Dubai. A chartered flight from Riyadh to the Philippines is also being arranged and could depart on March 14.
The Palace said the government continues to coordinate with relevant agencies to assist Filipinos in the region who wish to return home. Officials said arrangements are ongoing to facilitate safe travel and transportation for affected OFWs.
