By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — A special chartered flight carrying 442 Filipinos, including over 200 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), landed safely at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City around noon today, Saturday (14 March 2026). The flight was part of the government’s effort to repatriate Filipinos stranded in the Middle East due to the ongoing crisis.
Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac was among those on board, and they were greeted by representatives from various government agencies, including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Bureau of Immigration.
This repatriation effort underscores the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration prioritizing the welfare of OFWs who contribute significantly to the country’s economy. The government is providing assistance to help repatriated workers reintegrate into society.
As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, the safety of Filipino nationals remains a top priority. The government is taking proactive measures to ensure their protection and facilitate repatriation for those in need.
ia/xf
