38 Saudi OFWs arrive at NAIA

MANILA, Philippines — Thirty-eight overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing conflict in Saudi Arabia arrived safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Friday, the Department of Migrant Workers said yesterday.

According to the DMW, the OFWs were provided with financial assistance, free food, temporary accommodation and transportation services.

The DMW said repatriation assistance would continue until Nov. 11, with 290 more OFWs expected to return home.

Meanwhile, the remains of an OFW killed in a recent Houthi drone attack on a Saudi oil facility also arrived on Friday.

The DMW did not name the OFW, but said the worker died on Oct. 21 during a drone attack at Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield.

The OFW was driving near the facility when he was hit by drone debris.

DMW Assistant Secretary Maria Regina Galias, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) officials and the OFW’s family received his remains at the NAIA.

Galias conveyed the government’s condolences, saying, “We express our deepest sympathy. We are also sending heartfelt condolences coming from Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.”

The OFW’s employer arranged the repatriation in coordination with the Migrant Workers Office in Al Khobar, the Philippine embassy in Riyadh and Saudi authorities.

The employer also processed the worker’s outstanding salary, end-of-service benefits and other labor entitlements.

Galias said the victim’s family would receive financial help through the DMW Aksyon fund, burial assistance and educational support for his child.

She added that the DMW and OWWA would continue assisting the bereaved family until the OFW is laid to rest.

The family will be guided in managing the assistance they receive through reintegration programs with government agencies and private-sector partners, which will help them address their immediate needs and prepare for the years ahead, Galias also said.