There are 26 OFWs and one Filipina tourist from Israel who are expected to arrive in Manila Tuesday morning, June 24.*Philippine Embassy in Israel photo
So far none of 121 Overseas Filipino Workers from Negros Occidental and Bacolod City in Israel have signified their intention to return to the Philippines, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Monday, June 23.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday directed concerned agencies to ensure the safe and timely repatriation of Filipinos amid the rising tensions between Israel and Iran.
“I have directed all concerned government agencies to take the necessary steps to ensure the safe, timely, and orderly return of Filipinos who wish to avail of the voluntary repatriation program,” Marcos said in a recorded message.
Marcos said Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac is in Amman, Jordan, to receive the first batch of 26 repatriates from Israel. The government through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised Alert Level 3 in Israel and Iran, which calls for voluntary repatriation.
“In Israel… we are processing over 200 requests for repatriation — and we are moving quickly to bring them home, while others have opted to remain at work,” Marcos said.
“Upon arrival in the Philippines, they will receive immediate support — including P150,000 in assistance, accommodation, transport, and livelihood support with training vouchers to help them recover and start again,” Marcos said.
Lacson said of the 121 OFWs who have not expressed interest in returning home 90 are from Negros Occidental and 31 are from Bacolod City.
The help desk of the Negros Occidental provincial government remains open to assist Negrenses who may be affected by the Israel-Iran conflict, Lacson said.*