The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Saturday said 7,674 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and dependents have returned to the Philippines since the Middle East crisis broke out nearly two months ago.

Of this number, a total of 7,051 were repatriated through government funding, including 5,669 OFWs and 1,382 dependents.

In a statement, the agency said the Marcos administration would sustain efforts to repatriate more Filipinos requesting to go home.

“Patuloy na pinalalakas ng pamahalaan ang repatriation at reintegration programs alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng mga OFW at masuportahan ang kanilang maayos na pagbabalik at panibagong pagsisimula sa bansa (The government sustains its repatriation and reintegration program in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the welfare of OFWs and their reintegration upon return),” it said.

The conflict, which has since stretched to neighboring Gulf states, broke out when Israel and the US mounted a joint military operation against Tehran’s nuclear sites and leadership on Feb. 28.

US envoys are traveling to Pakistan on Saturday to negotiate with Iran a peace plan to end the war.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac earlier said the agency would ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos in the region, and is ready should the need for a possible large-scale repatriation rises.

At present, Cacdac said the DMW has already set up meeting points, exit points, and making fly-out arrangements for repatriates.

The DMW is likewise coordinating with Congress on proposed measures to establish emergency funding mechanisms to better support OFWs and their families during crises. (PNA)