MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government’s mass repatriation efforts reached a major milestone today as a chartered Boeing 747-400 carrying 442 Filipinos from the United Arab Emirates landed safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, who personally accompanied the repatriates on the flight from Fujairah, confirmed that the group included over 200 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and 182 individuals who had been stranded due to massive flight disruptions caused by the escalating Middle East conflict.
“We have landed. 442 Filipinos from the UAE… as directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are home,” Secretary Cacdac shared in a statement shortly after arrival.
Riyadh Flight Set for Sunday Morning
While the UAE batch has successfully returned, a second government-chartered mission is currently underway. A total of 341 distressed and stranded OFWs from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain are scheduled to arrive in Manila tomorrow, Sunday, March 15, at approximately 6:35 a.m. aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR8502.
This specific operation highlighted a complex “whole-of-government” logistical feat:
– Bahrain & Kuwait: Teams from OWWA and the DMW assisted Filipinos in crossing land borders to reach the staging area in Riyadh.
– Emergency Funding: The mission is funded through the OWWA Emergency Repatriation Fund, ensuring that even those without travel documents or funds are brought home safely.
Comprehensive Reintegration Support
Upon arrival, all repatriates are receiving immediate assistance, including medical check-ups from the Department of Health (DOH) and financial aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). OWWA personnel are also on standby to provide transportation for those returning to their home provinces.
As regional tensions continue to impact global travel and safety, the DMW and OWWA have reassured the public that additional chartered flights are being organized for more than 400 Filipinos currently awaiting their turn to return home next week.
