Senator Risa Hontiveros has called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to expedite the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Lebanon, as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
“I call on the DFA and DMW to repatriate as many of our kababayans in Lebanon as soon as possible. Dapat may mga nakalatag nang contingency plans ang ating mga ahensya sakaling lumalala ang sitwasyon,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
The senator also encouraged OFWs to coordinate with the Philippine Embassy assuring them that financial assistance and support are waiting for their return to the Philippines.
The DMW has confirmed that 15 OFWs from Lebanon will arrive soon. This comes after a series of explosions rocked southern Beirut following an Israeli military strike targeting Hezbollah headquarters on the night of September 27, 2024.
Moreover, the Philippine Embassy has urged Filipinos in Lebanon to remain vigilant and avoid areas in southern Beirut and other locations affected by the ongoing conflict.
