31 Pinoys repatriated from Middle East arrive in PH
The Pinoys were welcomed by members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), among other government agencies at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The 31 OFWs are composed of 26 Filipinos from Israel, three from Jordan, one from Palestine, and one from Qatar.
They are the first batch of repatriated Filipinos since hostilities between Israel and Iran began on June 13.
Their flight was delayed due to the temporary suspension of Qatari air traffic after Iran attacked a US military base in Doha.
'We experienced flight delays due to airspace restrictions, but what's really important is that we are here at home, safe and sound,' DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said in a statement.
DMW earlier announced that the repatriated Filipinos will receive financial assistance worth P150,000, temporary shelter, transportation to their respective provinces, and a reintegration program.
'The DOH will provide medical services and assistance to one cancer patient-repatriate, and one pregnant OFW, including mental wellness check-up to ensure their overall well-being,' Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in the same statement.
'We stand ready to assist those who are willing to be repatriated. We are encouraging OFWs to avail of the voluntary repatriation program,' Cacdac said.
DMW also said 50 more Filipinos could be repatriated this week.
It added that of the 30,000 Filipinos in Israel, 311 have already requested repatriation. —RF, GMA Integrated News
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