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348 Negros, Bacolod OFWs repatriated from Afghanistan

Photo from Israel Salanga FB

There have been 348 Negros Occidental and Bacolod City overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have been repatriated from Afghanistan so far, Bacolod Councilor Israel Salanga said Sunday, August 22.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) data shows that out of the 624 residents of Western Visayas who have been repatriated from Afghanistan, 276 are from Negros Occidental and 72 from Bacolod City, Salanga, Bacolod Action Team on Returning OFWs (ATRO) chairman, said.

The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, two weeks before the U.S. troops withdrew from the country.

The repatriation efforts were facilitated by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Salanga said.

OWWA’s intervention includes livelihood assistance to the returning OFWs, he was informed.

Meanwhile, as of Sunday, 11,000 Bacolod OFWs have been repatriated since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, he said.

In fact, 30 percent have already returned to their countries of employment, Salanga said.

Salanga also said Monday is the first year death anniversary of Jesryl Bancaya, a member of his team, who succumbed to COVID-19.

Until his death bed, Bancaya ensured the safe return of Bacolod OFWs to their families, he said.

Repatriation is still ongoing with an average of 15 Bacolod OFWs arriving daily, Salanga said.*

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