Almost 300 Pinoys From Dubai Land in Manila — First Batch of Middle East Evacuees
The first batch of Filipino evacuees from the Middle East has touched down in Manila. A total of 299 Filipinos from Dubai arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 early Thursday morning at 6:45 AM, marking the start of government-organized repatriation flights amid the escalating US-Iran conflict.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA representatives were at the airport to welcome the returning kababayans. Children and infants were among those on the flight, making the arrival even more emotional for families waiting at home.
The evacuees were escorted to a designated holding area at Terminal 3 where they'll receive assistance. As of the initial reports, it wasn't immediately clear how many of those on the flight were overseas Filipino workers versus dependents and other civilians.
The repatriation comes as more than 1,000 OFWs have already expressed their desire to come home, according to OWWA. The number is expected to grow as tensions in the region remain high following airstrikes and military operations.
The Middle East crisis has already hit the Filipino community hard. President Marcos confirmed the death of a Filipina caregiver killed in an Israeli airstrike, while another OFW sustained injuries from an explosion at a Kuwaiti airport — underscoring the very real dangers facing Pinoys in the region.
Source: GMA News
