Measures are now in place for the kababayans affected by the tension.
During a Palace Press Briefing at Malacañang on Monday, March 2, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said that exit points and repatriation measures are in place to assist Filipinos affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“Nakahanda po tayo, ang ating exit points and repatriation,” said DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, who advised Filipinos from affected areas to remain indoors and stay vigilant.
He added, “Mayroong mga identified exit points doon sa mga nag-manifest na nais na nila ding umuwi, we are working out along with the DFA and the host countries ‘yung manner in which we will start moving people through these exit points.”
Furthermore, the DMW is now working closely with the Department of National Defense (DND) for the possible use of proper military assets for assistance, as well as the private sectors for the provision of land, sea, and air options for repatriation.
Although, he also noted that while a mass repatriation is not yet necessary at this point, but the government remains “fully prepared” to respond should the situation deteriorate.
Amid the closure of several airports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Cacdac assured that the DMW, along with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), is identifying the safest way to deploy their augmentation teams to assist affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), while ensuring full compliance with the host countries’ protocols.
“Kung sarado sa ngayon ang UAE, we will make sure to be there, our augmentation teams in the areas surrounding kung saan puwedeng sumalubong at pumasok at the right time. Again, timing is everything at this stage, kaya’t hindi po tayo muna manghihimasok sa protocols ng host countries,” said the Migrant Workers chief.
As of now, the government is extending basic needs assistance, including food and water, to affected Filipinos. Its AKSYON (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan) fund and OWWA funds are also on standby to support OFWs who have lost their jobs or are experiencing distress due to the conflict.
On-site transport services are also available for those who seeking relocation to safer areas and temporary shelters arranged by the Philippine government and the host countries are also accessible.
“Halimbawa sa Dubai, mayroon tayong higit-kumulang 20 ngayon na nasa shelter natin and also identified certain areas outside of our MWO (Migrant Workers Office) kung saan mayroong mga designated accommodation facilities din tayo,” noted Cacdac.
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO RESPOND TO NEEDS OF OFWs
The secretary also mentioned that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed key government agencies to ensure the welfare and protection of overseas Filipinos.
PBBM has already ordered an interagency mobilization to guarantee that Filipinos in the Middle East are properly assisted and supported.
Cacdac said Health Secretary Ted Herbosa is also convening a meeting to consolidate medical responses, including online medical consultations and psychosocial support services through the Department of Health (DOH).
Secretary Henry Aguda, who leads the Department of Interior and Communications Technology (DICT), has directed local telcos to make sure connectivity with OFWs in the Middle East is maintained.
The ICT chief also instructed regional offices to provide free connections to anyone who would like to reach out to their family members and loved ones in affected areas.
The DMW secretary also stated that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is on standby to extend assistance to returning Filipinos.
While on the part of tge Department of Trade and Industry, Cacdac has met with Secretary Cristina Roque to discuss reintegration and livelihood programs for those who have returned or are expected to return in the coming days and weeks, should tensions continue to escalate.
EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR OFWs
Meanwhile, Cacdac expressed readiness to assist OFWs who will be displaced by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East with employment options available for them.
Cacdac said affected OFWs may explore redeployment opportunities through their recruitment agencies, including possible transfers to other countries—emphasizing that the DMW also maintains a database of job orders abroad where returning workers may apply.
For local employment, the DMW is coordinating with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through public employment service offices nationwide, as well as with Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco for tourism-related livelihood opportunities.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Francisco “Kiko” Benitez is aligned with the DMW to provide reskilling and retooling training programs for returning OFWs.
“May mga training vouchers na ibinilin sa amin si Sec. Kiko na puwede naming ibigay sa kanila. Puwede nilang piliin ‘yung kurso at saka ‘yung training institution parang blank ‘yung vouchers na ‘yun na ifi-fill up lang nila,” the DMW leader said.
Private-sector partners have also expressed support by providing livelihood opportunities and assisting with product marketing through malls and other establishments.
PBBM CLOSELY MONITORING SITUATION IN MIDEAST, CONFIRMS 1 FILIPINO FATALITY
In a Palace press briefing, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said the President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has directed concerned government agencies to provide all necessary assistance to Filipinos affected by the escalating tension.
“Iginiit ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. sa mga ahensiya na ipagpatuloy at paigtingin pa ang pagmo-monitor sa kalagayan ng mga Pilipino sa mga apektadong lugar,” Castro said.
Meanwhile, in a video message uploaded Sunday night, the chief executive confirmed that one Filipino is among the fatalities of this fresh round conflict between nations.
He, however, assured that the government will provide all necessary assistance to the family of a Filipina caregiver named Mary Anne Velazquez De Vera that was killed in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
She was reportedly struck by shrapnel while helping her ward reach a bomb shelter in Israel, the president shared.
“Siya po ay isang caregiver sa Israel na tinutulungan ang kanyang alaga para dalhin sa bomb shelter, ngunit hindi na po nakaabot sa bomb shelter at inabutan na sila bago sila nakarating. Siya ay namatay dahil tinamaan ng shrapnel ng mga bumagsak na bomba,” President Marcos noted.
The President said the victim has been identified by her husband, who is also an overseas Filipino worker employed in Israel. “Na-identify na po siya ng kanyang asawa na isang OFW din na nagtatrabaho sa Israel.”
Marcos also assured the family that the government will extend all necessary assistance, including financial aid and other support they may require during this difficult time.
“Lahat po ng tulong na kakailanganin ng kanilang pamilya ay ihahatid ng ating pamahalaan,” the President emphasized.
The President likewise said authorities remain on heightened alert as tensions persist in the region, emphasizing that the government is closely tracking developments to safeguard Filipinos still in affected areas.
“Patuloy po ang ating pag-monitor sa kalagayan ng ating mga kababayan na nasa gitna nitong giyera patuloy pa rin sa Middle East. Asahan po ninyo na pagka mayroon tayong maire-report ay ire-report ko po sa inyo kaagad,” he said.
CONTACT NUMBERS
Filipinos in need of assistance may contact the emergency hotlines of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to report their concerns and request support.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) emergency hotlines are 1348 (for Metro Manila), 02-1348 for Regional offices. They can also be reached via Viber +63-915-079-5005 (Globe), +63-969-169-7068 (Smart), +63-966-473-9543 (Globe)