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109 Filipinos seek repatriation amid escalating Israel-Iran tensions —DMW
Amid the continued exchange of air strikes between Israel and Iran, at least 109 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have expressed their intent to return home, according to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac.
During an Unang Balita interview on Tuesday, Cacdac confirmed that government teams are on the ground providing assistance to affected Filipinos, including one critically injured Filipina now recovering in a hospital in Israel.
“Well sa ngayon, nasa critical condition pa rin siya. Dinalaw siya ng team natin,” Cacdac said.
(She remains in critical condition as of now. Our team has visited her.)
“Under the auspices of the embassy, at sa OWWA, 'yung team ni Admin PY Caunan. At ang news na natanggap namin sa dalaw ay conscious siya which is a good sign. 'Yung kulay niya noong isang araw medyo maputla, pero nag-improve,” he added.
(The visit was under the auspices of the embassy and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the team of Administrator Patricia Yvonne "PY" Caunan. The latest update from the hospital is that she is now conscious, which is a good sign. Her color was pale the other day, but she has improved.)
Cacdac noted that the woman has a sibling with her at the hospital, providing comfort and support. He added that the DMW has already coordinated with her family in the Philippines to assure them of ongoing government help.
In addition to those hospitalized, the DMW has extended help to 14 Filipinos affected by the conflict — some of whom are staying in temporary accommodations.
“Meron pa rin tayong tinutulungan sa mga hard-hit areas kung saan meron tayong linalagay ngayon sa temporary accommodation,” he said.
(We’re still helping people in the hardest hit areas where we’ve placed them in temporary accommodations.)
No new injuries among Filipinos have been reported despite fresh attacks in the region, Cacdac said.
“Sa awa ng Diyos, nagkaroon na naman ng attack kahapon. Pero sa awa ng Diyos, walang tayong napabalitaang nasaktan. 'Yung apat, 'yun pa rin ang bilang na alam natin,” he said.
(By God’s grace, there was another attack yesterday, but fortunately, no new Filipino casualties were reported. The number remains at four.)
As of now, 25 Filipinos have confirmed they want to be repatriated, on top of the 85 who registered before the recent escalation.
“Ngayon tumatayo sa 109 'yung nasa listahan natin and counting. Eighty-five doon sa 109, nagpalista na bago pa nag-atake noong Biyerne sa Iran,” he shared.
(We currently have 109 on the list, and the number continues to grow. Of the 109, eighty-five registered even before the Iranian attack last Friday.)
Cacdac emphasized that repatriation efforts are being coordinated, but complications remain due to closed airspace and airport restrictions in conflict zones.
When asked about the possibility of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Cacdac deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of National Defense for official updates.
“Sa puntong ito ay kailangan natin ng kaukulang payo mula sa DFA... We are also in touch with Sec. Gibo and the DND on this matter,” he said.
(At this point, we need proper advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs... We’re also in touch with Defense Secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro and the Department of National Defense on the matter.)
Cacdac also issued a strong advisory to OFWs currently in Israel and Iran to stay indoors and avoid sharing or engaging with misinformation online.
“Huwag masyadong lumabas sa bahay. Huwag rin masyadong makilahok sa mga malawakang discussion o lalo na ang pagpapalaganap ng fake news sa panahon na ito,” he said.
(Avoid going out of the house. And don’t get too involved in large discussions, especially the spread of fake news at this time.)
The DMW’s 1348 hotline is active and can be reached locally or from abroad (+632-1348) for those in need of urgent assistance. —KG, GMA Integrated News
