The first batch of Filipino repatriates from war-torn Israel arrived safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 18.
Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) welcomed the 16 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and a one-month-old baby.
Also present during the welcoming were Senator and Senate Committee on Migrant Workers chairman Raffy Tulfo, OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) officials.
In an interview with reporters, DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac mentioned that each government agency had prepared assistance for the repatriates.
"Kaniya-kaniyang ayuda, tulong. Sa DMW, may financial assistance, P100,000, join forces tayo sa OWWA. And livelihood, ayan ang isa sa tinukoy ni Pangulo, yung pang matagalan," he said.
The OFWs will also receive psychosocial counseling to help them cope up with their trauma.
"Kasi alam naman natin ang pinanggalingan nila, tutulungan din natin sila. Infact, yung health desk nila dito ngayon ay hindi lang for mental healthness kundi sa physical na condition ay titingnan din nila ang mga dumarating nating mga kababayan," Cacdac said.
The first batch of Filipino repatriates were originally composed of 17 OFWs.
According to reports, one Filipino was left in Abu Dhabi after failing to secure a medical clearance due to blood pressure.
Government agencies are anticipating the arrival of the second batch of Filipino repariates in the coming days.
