First batch of Filipinos affected by Middle East conflict to return to PH
Thirty-one individuals, including 26 from Israel, 3 from Jordan, 1 from Palestine, and 1 from Qatar, are on board Qatar Airways Flight QR 934, along with Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.
Earlier this morning, Secretary Cacdac said their flight was delayed due to the temporary closure of Qatar's airspace caused by regional tensions.
'We were asked to deplane and stay safely inside the terminal at Doha Hamad International Airport,' he said in a Facebook post.
The Qatari Ministry of Interior helped resolve the airspace issue, ensuring the safety of the passengers, the Department of Migrant Workers reported.
Each individual will receive financial aid amounting to P150,000, along with airport assistance such as temporary shelter and transportation to their home provinces.
Other government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health are ready to provide counseling and medical help. Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Department of Trade and Industry will support retraining and livelihood programs.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Middle East Eye
30 minutes ago
- Middle East Eye
Hamas says it is studying Trump's ceasefire proposal
Hamas said it was studying what US President Donald Trump called a "final" ceasefire proposal for Gaza. The group said it was "conducting national consultations" to discuss proposals it had received from Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Hamas said it aimed "to reach an agreement that guarantees ending the aggression, achieving the withdrawal [of Israeli forces from Gaza] and urgently aiding our people in the Gaza Strip". Trump said Israel had agreed to a 60-day truce, during which he would work with all parties "to end the War". He also threatened Hamas if they did not accept the deal, stating: "it will not get better - IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the elimination of Hamas in his first public remarks since Trump's announcement. "There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a Hamastan. We're not going back to that. It's over," he said.
Filipino Times
3 hours ago
- Filipino Times
21 OFWs from Israel to arrive in PH on July 3 amid Middle East repatriation efforts
Twenty-one overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel are expected to arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Thursday, July 3, 2025, under the government's repatriation program prompted by rising tensions in the Middle East. OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan confirmed the arrival and reiterated the government's ongoing commitment to support OFWs affected by regional unrest. 'Tomorrow, 21 OFWs will arrive from Israel, followed by 15 on Saturday, and we're expecting another 28 more soon,' Caunan said during the Bagong Pilipinas public briefing. Despite over 373 OFWs having reached out to OWWA with repatriation concerns, only 26 individuals have finalized their return to the Philippines so far. 'We've been persistently following up with them,' Caunan added, noting that only 26 have confirmed repatriation despite OWWA's efforts. She assured the public that even though Israel has lowered its alert level to 2 and implemented a ceasefire, the government is still closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, especially in countries with large Filipino populations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and Kuwait. Caunan also cited the arrival of eight OFWs from Iran, with more expected to return soon. Returning OFWs receive support that includes medical aid, financial assistance, temporary lodging, and psychosocial services. Among the recent returnees were a pregnant OFW and another battling cancer. Secretary Ted Herbosa of the Department of Health committed full medical coverage for these cases. 'We're taking care of them. The pregnant OFW will be assisted by the DOH for her childbirth expenses, and the cancer patient will receive free treatment,' Caunan noted. Many repatriated OFWs are now exploring new opportunities, with interest in entrepreneurship, local and overseas employment, and online jobs. 'We're focused on job matching and skills training. There are 8 million online jobs available, with free training programs to help OFWs qualify,' Caunan said. The OWWA is working closely with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to facilitate digital training and livelihood assistance for returnees.
Middle East Eye
5 hours ago
- Middle East Eye
Hamas delegation to meet with mediators in Cairo
A Hamas delegation is expected to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the ceasefire proposal, the Associated Press reported, citing an Egyptian official.
