logo
OWWA: 76 OFWs in Israel requested to be repatriated amid conflict

OWWA: 76 OFWs in Israel requested to be repatriated amid conflict

GMA Network23-06-2025

OWWA Administrator and DMW Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan said that only 76 OFWs have confirmed their request for repatriation. Of this number, 26 comprise the first batch scheduled to arrive in the Philippines on Tuesday.
Some 253 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Israel have expressed their intent to be repatriated to the Philippines amid the conflict between the host country and Iran.
OWWA Administrator and DMW Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan said that only 76 OFWs have confirmed their request for repatriation. Of this number, 26 comprise the first batch scheduled to arrive in the Philippines on Tuesday.
Flight arrangements are also underway for the next batch of 50 OFWs, who are expected to arrive within the week.
Meanwhile, 8 OFWs from Iran are also set to be repatriated. Only a few have requested assistance from Iran, as the DMW-OWWA does not have an office in that country.
To date, eight Filipinos have been reported injured, but only one remains confined in the hospital after undergoing an operation.
Despite the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) declaring Alert Level 3 in both Israel and Iran, many OFWs are still undecided about returning home. Some believe the tensions will ease soon, while others are worried about losing their jobs.
"May paniwala yung iba na patapos na yung nangyayaring conflict. May iba naman ayaw umalis dahil natatakot na wala nang babalik ang trabaho," Caunan said.
"So iba-iba yung dahilan nung mga kababayan natin. Ang directive sa atin ng ating mahal na Pangulo at ni Secretary Hans ay hindi lamang kamustahin but to really put our people on the ground. So tinatawagan natin sila," she added.
"Actually, baka nakukulitan na sila sa kakatawag natin pero gusto natin siguraduhin na talagang okay sila," Caunan said.
There are over 30,000 OFWs in Israel, but only 76 have confirmed their intent to return.
Caunan assured the public of the government's readiness to repatriate OFWs at any time they choose to return.
"'Yung assurance natin from DMW and OWA is anytime na mag-decide sila that they want to be repatriated, ready yung team natin at i-aarrange natin yung repatriation agad nila.'
She also reiterated that financial assistance amounting to P150,000 will be provided by OWWA and the DMW to OFWs from high-risk areas who decide to come home. This is on top of free repatriation tickets, hotel accommodations, and training vouchers from TESDA and DSWD.
To bolster government support, OWWA has deployed augmentation teams to Israel and Jordan to provide assistance in high-risk areas. These include financial aid, food and hygiene kits, temporary shelter, and counseling for affected OFWs.
Caunan emphasized that the government continues to monitor the situation of Filipinos across the Middle East, and she urged them not to hesitate to seek help should the need arise. –NB, GMA Integrated News

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Majority of Pinoys back rejoining the ICC —OCTA survey
Majority of Pinoys back rejoining the ICC —OCTA survey

GMA Network

time4 hours ago

  • GMA Network

Majority of Pinoys back rejoining the ICC —OCTA survey

Majority of Filipinos are in favor of the Philippines rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to the results of an OCTA Research survey released on Monday. The Tugon ng Masa nationwide survey, conducted from April 20 to 24, showed that 57% of Filipinos want the country to rejoin the ICC while 37% are opposed to the move, and 6% remain undecided. Those who expressed support for rejoining the ICC was strong in most regions of the country. The survey results indicated that in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, and the Visayas, at least 60% of respondents backed the move. However, Mindanao was an exception—with only 30% in favor of rejoining the ICC and 66% rejecting it, the highest rate of opposition recorded across regions. Across socioeconomic classes and age groups, support remains relatively consistent with at least half of the respondents in each category favoring rejoining, according to the survey. Further, opposition by class ranges from 34% to 42%, with the highest levels in Class E. By age, opposition spans 32% to 44%, with at least 40% of adults aged 18–24, 35–44, and 45–54 not in favor of rejoining the ICC. A total of 1,200 male and female respondents aged 18 and above were interviewed face-to-face for the study. The survey has a margin of error of ±3 % at a 95% confidence level. Subnational estimates for the geographic areas covered in the survey have the following margins of error at a 95% confidence level: ±6% for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Respondents were shown the following statement before they were asked of their stand: The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a global institution dedicated to upholding justice and protecting human rights by holding individuals accountable for the most serious crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression. The Philippines withdrew from the ICC's founding treaty, the Rome Statute, in 2019 after the tribunal launched a probe into the Duterte administration's deadly drug war. When asked last March about the possibility of the Philippines rejoining the ICC, Marcos simply smiled and said the matter had not been discussed. This was after the arrest of his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte and the latter's detention in the Netherlands on charges of crimes against humanity before the ICC. However, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro recently said the President was open to having discussions with regard to the Philippines rejoining the tribunal. —AOL, GMA Integrated News

Filipinos call on elected officials to fulfill campaign promises
Filipinos call on elected officials to fulfill campaign promises

GMA Network

time20 hours ago

  • GMA Network

Filipinos call on elected officials to fulfill campaign promises

Filipinos are calling on the over 18,000 elected officials who are set to officially assume their posts on Monday, June 30, 2025, to fulfill the promises they made while campaigning earlier this year. According to University of the Philippines National College of Public Administrative and Governance (UP NCPAG) professor and former dean Maria Fe Mendoza, the public should take government officials into account. 'The 31% youth vote parang spelled the difference. May pag-asa pala tayo, kasi surprise 'yun, diba, at 'yun nga, despite the surveys before the elections, ang napunta sa magic five ay 'yung mga hindi natin inaasahan,' she said in a report by Raffy Tima on GMA's '24 Oras Weekend' on Sunday. (We have hope, because it was a surprise that despite the surveys before the elections, those who entered the magic five are those we did not expect.) The top five senators in the May elections were Senators Christopher 'Bong' Go, Paolo Benigno 'Bam' Aquino, Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, Erwin Tulfo, and Francis Pangilinan. Aquino and Pangilinan had been outside the top five or even top 12 in the polls that were taken leading up to the election. There are 18,255 officials set to take office on Monday, majority of whom are set to have a three-year term save for the 12 senators who will serve for the next six years. This is 155 more than those elected in the previous polls, given the establishment of a new province and eight new municipalities. GMA Integrated News asked voters what they expect from the officials: 'Kung ano 'yung nagawa nung nakaraan, previous na nakaupo, kung maganda na 'yung ginagawa niya, dapat lamangan niya para ang mga tao, okay ang kabuhayan,' said one man. (What was done by the previous administration, if it was good, the next administration should surpass that so that livelihood would be okay). 'Gawin nila 'yung best nila tsaka 'yung sa plataporma nila, 'yung magagandang mga plano nila eh gawin nila ngayon, tuparin nila ngayon,' said a client at a barbershop. (They should do their best and their platforms, the good plans they have, they should fulfill that now.) ''Yung mga pangako nila, dapat tuparin nila 'yun. Kung hindi naman natupad eh para saan pa po 'yung pag-e-elect nila?' the barber said. (They should fulfill their promises. If not, what were they elected for?) ''Wag puro pangako kasi 'pag sa kampanya malakas sila, pinapasok nila 'yung mga eskinita, pero 'pag nanalo na, hindi nila mabisita kung sino 'yung mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan,' said another man. (They shouldn't be full of promises because during the campaign, they would reach even the alleys but when they win, they cannot even visit those in the margins.) 'Inaasahan ko sana magkaroon ng trabaho 'yung mga nahihirapang maghanap ng trabaho, lalo na 'yung mga katulad ko na 21 years old, tsaka 'yung ano rin po, 'yung pagbaba ng presyo ng bilihin,' said a street vendor. (I am hoping that there would be jobs for those having difficulties to secure employment, especially those like me who are 21 years old, along with the lower prices of goods.) — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA Integrated News For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.

OFWs in Israel and Iran share stories of war
OFWs in Israel and Iran share stories of war

GMA Network

time21 hours ago

  • GMA Network

OFWs in Israel and Iran share stories of war

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Israel have experienced flying missiles, explosions, and other forms of violence as Iran launched air strikes in the country. Sunday's episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" shed light on the terror these OFWs have been facing since June 13. Eric, who has been working as a caregiver in Haifa, Israel for eight years, said he has not been able to leave his employer's house out of fear. "Ramdam namin talaga 'yung yumayanig. Parang earthquake. Sobrang tindi. Nakakatakot talaga. Talagang mapapadasal ka!" Eric said. ["We could really feel the shaking from the ground. It felt like an earthquake. It was so intense and terrifying that you couldn't help but start praying."] Eric shared that his employer has had diabetes for 20 years. "Makikita mo 'yung pamilya ng alaga mo, magkakasama sila. Pero ikaw, nandito, mag-isa. 'Yung pamilya mo nasa Pilipinas. Nakakadurog ng puso," he said. ["You'll see your employer's family together. It's heartbreaking knowing that you're here alone while your family is back in the Philippines."] Eric added that his employer's home has a built-in bomb shelter where they can hide in case of attacks or bombings. The Israel government also has a mobile app wherein they could tell countrymen about any impending danger such as incoming missiles. But despite these preparations, the situation remains a nightmare. "Nagkaroon na kami ng phobia. May kumalabog lang nang konti, gusto mo nang tumakbo kasi nakakatakot talaga. Hindi kagaya noon, paisa-isa lang, dala-dalawa o lima. Pero ngayon kasi talagang grabe 'yung nangyari talaga ngayon dito. Kasi 200 rockets, missiles, drones ang pinapadala ng Iran," Eric said. ["We already have a phobia. Even the slightest thud makes us want to run. It's that terrifying. It's not like before, when there were only one, two, or five. This time was overwhelming, because Iran sent 200 rockets, missiles, and drones."] Meanwhile, Filipina caregiver Sheril lives in the nursing home where she works. As she lives on the upper floor, she has to take an elevator to go to the facility's bomb shelter. Another challenge was that her charges suffer from Alzheimer's Disease, and she must continue assisting them. This is why she always remains on alert. Since the war started getting more violent, more OFWs wish to return to the Philippines as soon as possible. However, Sheril chose to stay in Israel because she treats the person under her care as a father figure. "Sinabi ko sa asawa ko na hangga't hindi pa in-implement po talaga 'yung mandatory po, dito pa po muna ako. Dahil ayaw ko po iwan 'yung alaga ko sa ganitong sitwasyon lalong-lalo na alam ko na kailangan na kailangan niya po ako," she said. ["I told my husband I'll stay here for now, as long as there's no mandatory evacuation. I don't want to leave my employer in a situation like this—I know they need me."] Renante, Sheril's husband who lives in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, said, "Talagang gusto ko siyang umuwi na ng Pinas. Para kahit mamuhay kami nang simple dito, okay lang at least ligtas siya dito." [""I really want her to come home to the Philippines. Even if our here is simple, at least she'll be safe."] He added, "'Yung kaba mo talagang kumakabog. Kasi po 'pag tumatawag 'yung asawa ko, tapos biglang mag-a-alarm ng siren po nila doon. Talagang mararamdaman mo 'yung takbuhan sila sa shelter." ["You can really feel the anxiety. Whenever my wife calls and the sirens suddenly go off, you can sense the panic as they all rush to the shelter."] The couple says that despite the challenges, they are grateful to still have open lines of communication. Sheril told Renante in a video call that she is doing okay as compared to the past days. When Israel pushed through with Operation Rising Lion in Iran, several establishments were forced to close, like the travel agency of OFW Naufar. Naufar said he went for days without communication lines. Naufar has lived for more than 20 years in Iran. This was where he got married and started a family. Because of all the air strikes, they were forced to leave their home in Tehran to move to a safer area in the northern part of Iran. Despite this, Naufar remains restless because unlike Israel, the government does not provide news of danger. The Philippine government has been working towards bringing Filipinos home from Iran and Israel. By June 22, America, a known ally of Israel, joined the war, launching a missile attack on three nuclear sites in Iran. On June 23, Iran fought back with an air strike to the United States forces in Qatar. Air traffic was suspended, affecting Filipinos who wish to fly back to the Philippines, including an OFW named Armando. Armando, who works in an Israel hotel, was on the way home to the Philippines on June 23. "June 23, flight kami papuntang Qatar. Tapos noong June 23 din, 6:30 p.m., biglang umatake sa Qatar 'yung Iran. So, nasa loob na kami ng plane, pinababa ulit kami," he said. "Parang sinusundan kami ng rockets. Hanggat hindi pa kami nakakauwi, nasa isip namin na hindi pa kami safe talaga." ["We had a flight to Qatar last June 23. Then, at 6:30 PM on that same day, Iran suddenly launched an attack. We were already inside the plane, but they made us disembark. It feels like rockets are following us. Until we're safely back home, we'll always feel like we're not truly safe."] The first batch of repatriates came back home last Tuesday, and one of these is Armando. "Nu'ng pagdating namin dito sa airport ng NAIA, lahat kami masaya," he said. ["We were all so happy when we finally arrived here at NAIA."] According to Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, "We have nearly 300 already, one requested for repatriation in Israel. And there will be succeeding batches. Of course, pinagdadasal natin na huminto na itong sigalot na ito. But kung magpapatuloy pa, meron at least 50 na, and perhaps, Admin PY can shed light also on this. On those who will be prepared for repatriation." ["Of course, we are praying for this conflict to end. But if it continues, we have at least 50 more individuals prepared for repatriation. Perhaps Admin PY can shed light on this."] Eric and Sheril remained in Israel, making the most of the 12-day ceasefire to try to live normally again. Meanwhile, Naufar called the government for help. "I considered myself na displaced na ako. I left my comfort zone from Tehran, my business, my home, para mailigtas ko ang sarili ko, ang aking pamilya," he said. ["I consider myself displaced already. I left my comfort zone in Tehran—my business, and my home—just to save myself and my family," ] "I doubt the sincerity of the government to help a person like me kung susuportahan nila 'ko," he added. "Wala silang sustainable long-term plan sa mga Pilipino nasa labas ng bansa. Kung meron man hindi ko po alam 'yan, i-correct n'yo ako, ipakita n'yo sa akin para 'yung mga may ibang katanungan, nasa puso lang nila, nasa isip, hindi nila maitanong magkaroon sila ng kasagutan." ["I doubt the government's sincerity in helping someone like me, even if they say they'd support us. It feels like there's no sustainable, long-term plan for Filipinos abroad. If there is, I'm not aware of it. Please correct me and show me, so that those who keep their questions quietly in their hearts and minds can finally get the answers they need."] "Palagi ang ating mga embassy ke sa Israel o Iran, nakikipagpulong sa mga Filipino community leaders para handa palagi sila." Department of Foreign Affairs Usec. Eduardo De Vega said. ["Our embassies, whether in Israel or Iran, are are in constant coordination with Filipino community leaders to ensure readiness at all times."] A representative from We Aim OFW, a non-government organization, said one-time financial assistance to repatriates is not enough. "Ano ang dapat hakbang ng gobyerno upang pagkatiwalaan sila ng mga manggagawa na hindi sila pababayaan?" ["What is the government's strategy to rebuild the trust of OFWs and assure them that they will not be left behind in times of crisis?"] "Ngayon nasa alert level 3 pa 'yung Iran. May mga nagsasabi bakit hindi binababa? Meaning, bakit voluntary repatriation pa? Wala nang putukan dahil may ceasefire na. Hintayin muna natin ang recommendation ng ambassador at kung matagal 'tong ceasefire at puwede ibaba natin 'yung alert level. Natitiyak, 'yung ating mga kababayan, na kung kailangan nila ng tulong, mabibigyan natin," he added. ["Iran is currently at alert level 3. Some are asking why it hasn't been lowered, especially now that there's a ceasefire. Why is the repatriation still voluntary? We're waiting for the recommendation of our ambassador. If the ceasefire holds, we can consider lowering the alert level. But for now, our kababayans can be assured that if they need help, they will get it."] "Mayroon silang natanggap na P150,000. It's a safety net at parang temporary buffer or cushion para sila ay matulungang makapagsimula sa kanilang pagbabalik sa Pilipinas," Atty. Felicitas Quilbay of Department of Migrant Workers said. ["Each of them received P150,000. It's a safety net, a temporary buffer or cushion to help them start over after returning to the Philippines."] As of June 28, a total of 32 Overseas Filipino Workers have been repatriated. This includes 26 individuals who returned from Israel on June 24, and 6 more who arrived from Iran on June 28. For assistance, OFWs and their families may contact the following: DMW-OWWA HELP DESK - 1348 FOR THOSE ABROAD, CALL - +632 1348 ISRAEL Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv - +972 54-4661188 Migrant Workers Office - +972 50-7622590 Overseas Welfare Office - +972 50-7156937 LEBANON Philippine Embassy in Beirut - +961 70 858 086 Migrant Workers Office in Beirut - +961 79 110 729 JORDAN Philippine Embassy in Amman - +962 7 7907 7775 ; +962 7 7721 9000 Migrant Workers Office in Amman - +962 7 8149 1183 ; +962 7 8519 1891 —JCB, GMA Integrated News

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store