Palace defends Marcos’ absence from airport welcome for returning Filipinos

Malacañang on Sunday explained why President Marcos Jr. has not joined government officials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to welcome Filipinos returning home after being displaced by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President has tasked officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to assist the arriving overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“Nandyan po ang DMW at OWWA na siyang inutusan ng Pangulo na mag-asikaso at tumulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Castro said.

She said the President is attending to other important responsibilities, including preparing additional government programs and assistance to mitigate the impact of the Middle East conflict on Filipinos and the Philippine economy.

“Ayusin ang mga karagdagang programa at tulong sa ating mga kababayan para maibsan ang impact sa ating bansa ng mga nangyayari sa Middle East,” Castro said.

On Saturday, the DMW said a total of 1,315 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents affected by the Middle East crisis have already been assisted by the government from March 5 to March 14 under the Bagong Pilipinas Repatriation Program.

According to DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, the number includes 1,022 OFWs and 293 dependents who were either stranded or repatriated from affected areas.

Cacdac said the government is prioritizing OFWs who are in high-risk locations, those who are ill, or those with other humanitarian concerns while arrangements are made for their safe return to the Philippines.

The latest batch of repatriates arrived on board a government-chartered flight carrying distressed and stranded OFWs from Riyadh.—MCG, GMA Integrated News