343 Pinoys from Middle East return to PH amid turmoil

A total of 343 Filipinos from the Middle East arrived in Manila on Sunday amid the ongoing conflict in the region.

Coming from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the returning Filipinos arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAAI) Terminal 1 at 7 a.m. aboard a chartered flight of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The Filipinos came from Bahrain and Al Khobar and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, OWWA administrator PY Caunan said during a press briefing.

Many of those who returned were classified as "distressed Filipinos" who received government assistance while they were still in their host countries and awaiting repatriation. 

Meanwhile, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac reiterated that returning OFWs will receive assistance such as job fairs, livelihood support, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority reskilling programs.

They will also receive medical aid in the care of the Department of Health.

Caunan said that Filipinos from Kuwait have already crossed to Riyadh and are expected to return to the Philippines in the coming days.

Earlier today, 26 OFWs and nine family members arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 from Qatar.

On Saturday, DMW reported that 442 Filipinos, including 200 OFWs, arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 aboard a chartered flight.

A total of 1,022 OFWs and 293 dependents were repatriated from March 5 to 14 amid the Middle East conflict.

The conflict in the Middle East escalated after the United States and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iran on February 28, prompting the Philippine government to initiate repatriation efforts for Filipinos in affected areas.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News