DMW: 131 OFWs in conflict-hit Lebanon to return to PH this week

Department of Migrant Workers Sec. Hans Leo Cacdac speaks with members of the media during the Saturday News Forum on January 18, 2025. Arnel Tacson/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — One hundred thirty-one Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Lebanon are expected to return home early this week amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

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This was confirmed by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac in a statement on Monday, adding that the 131 OFWs include 9 dependents.

“The OFWs are expected to arrive in the country in two batches, including 52 OFWs with one dependent arriving on February 10 and 79 OFWs with 8 dependents on February 11, 2025,” said Cacdac.

“All of them will receive immediate financial and airport assistance and all the necessary support from the whole-of-government team as directed by the President,” he added.

The Department of Migrant Workers’ data showed that the repatriation of the 131 OFWs and their dependents will bring the total to 1,569 OFWs and 68 dependents who have safely returned from Lebanon through Philippine government on-site, shelter, repatriation, and post-arrival assistance since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023.