Filipinos all over the world are the responsibility of the Philippine government; thus, those needing help must inform the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and related agencies.

This was stressed by the DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro during an online briefing on Monday.

“Any Filipino who thinks it’s not safe wherever they are, it is the responsibility and the mandate of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and us at Foreign Affairs to repatriate this person and to help each and every OFW (overseas Filipino worker) that is in need of assistance,” she said.

This, as developments in the Middle East remain hostile amidst the temporary two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which started on April 8.

Lazaro explained that even before the ceasefire, the DMW and the Department of Foreign Affairs had consistently been taking care of our Filipino nationals.

“As of today, we have already repatriated more than 5,000 of our OFWs. And, of course, there’s another government agency in charge while they’re here. So, it is continuous,” she said.

During the day, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, citing the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., said it has so far provided assistance to over 2,500 OFWs affected by the conflict in the Middle East.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has said that more than 2,200 Filipinos are still lined up for repatriation, depending on the developments in the Middle East.

He said the Department of Budget and Management has ordered the release of nearly PHP1 billion, with around PHP800 million for the DMW, to help Filipinos flying home for safety from the Middle East.

The government has so far repatriated a total of 5,400 OFWs and their dependents. (PNA)