DMW urges Filipinos in Lebanon to avail of repatriation amid attacks

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is urging Filipinos in Lebanon to avail themselves of government repatriation efforts as tensions escalate following continued attacks by Israeli forces.

According to JP Soriano's report on "24 Oras Weekend," Alert Level 3 remains in effect in Lebanon, prompting the government to encourage voluntary repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) back to the Philippines.

Rosemarie Castillo, an OFW and president of a Filipino community in Lebanon, said some Filipinos narrowly avoided harm after their workplace was hit.

“They were at work when their area was bombed, so they were not hit. I just took them in with us for the meantime because they were very nervous,” Castillo said, adding that her employer has been helping fellow Filipinos in need.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) estimates that thousands of Filipinos are currently in Lebanon.

Under Alert Level 3, the government calls for voluntary repatriation, particularly for those who wish to leave amid the deteriorating security situation.

Some OFWs appealed for an end to the violence.

“Our only prayer is for this to end and for Lebanon to become peaceful, because it is heartbreaking that civilians who have nothing to do with it are being caught in the middle,” said Glena, another Filipino worker.

The DMW said it is ready to assist Filipinos in Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East who will sign up for repatriation and chartered flights arranged by the government.

Meanwhile, peace talks between the United States and Iran are set to take place following the ceasefire announced earlier this week by US President Donald Trump, with Pakistan serving as mediator.

US Vice President JD Vance has arrived for the talks, while Iran is represented by parliamentary official Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.—MCG, GMA News