Repatriation of OFWs starts as fighting escalates in Lebanon

MANILA, Philippines — Fifteen overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and three children, who were affected by the escalating tension in Lebanon, returned home Saturday night.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported that the OFWs requested for repatriation, and received immediate assistance from the Philippine government.

The DMW said the returning workers received necessary assistance, including reintegration, upon their arrival at the airport.

The Philippine embassy in Lebanon recently issued an advisory urging all Filipinos to evacuate while the airport remains operational.

For its part, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration called on Filipinos to convince OFWs in Lebanon to come home, stressing that the safety of the Filipino workers is the priority of OWWA.

It advised Filipinos in Lebanon not to hesitate to seek assistance and to always stay alert and go to safer places.

Migration consultant Manny Geslani said most Filipinos in Lebanon are undocumented and may not be able to leave Lebanon.

Geslani further noted that despite the tension, many Filipinos are hesitant to leave Lebanon for fear of losing their jobs.

The DMW previously expressed readiness to assist Filipinos in leaving Lebanon amid the prevailing tension there.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said they are looking for possible shelters in Lebanon.