A total of 89 Filipinos from Bahrain have safely arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of ongoing repatriation efforts amid tensions in the Middle East, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Philippine Embassy in Manama reported that 79 of the Filipinos are under repatriation arrangements and are expected to return to the Philippines. Seven others will be traveling via separate flights, while three are set to proceed to other Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Authorities said the relocation is part of contingency measures to ensure the safety of Filipinos in the region. The DFA, through its foreign service posts, continues to monitor developments and provide assistance to affected Filipinos. A total of 317 Filipinos were repatriated from the United Arab Emirates through a government-chartered flight, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs. The group included 153 overseas Filipino workers, 114 dependents, and 50 stranded Filipino tourists. The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai facilitated the repatriation of the tourists as part of coordinated efforts with the Department of Migrant Workers. Officials said the repatriation forms part of ongoing government efforts to assist Filipinos affected by tensions in the Middle East. The DFA said it continues to monitor developments through its foreign service posts and remains ready to provide assistance to Filipinos in the region. A total of 343 Filipinos from the Middle East arrived in the Philippines early Monday as part of the government’s ongoing repatriation efforts amid rising tensions in the region. The group, composed of 317 overseas Filipino workers and 26 dependents, landed at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at around 6:30 a.m. on a government-chartered flight. They came from Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, with many having to travel by land to Riyadh due to airspace restrictions in parts of the region. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the journey took around seven to eight hours for some Filipinos crossing borders before boarding the flight. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally welcomed the repatriates and led the distribution of assistance, including financial aid, medical services, and psychosocial support. Returning Filipinos also received support through reintegration programs such as livelihood assistance, job facilitation, and skills training. Transportation and temporary accommodation were arranged for those traveling to the provinces, with buses deployed for transfers and free transport provided within Luzon. Some of the repatriates shared their experiences, saying the conflict had affected their safety and well-being after years of working in the Middle East. Authorities said more repatriation flights are being prepared for around 1,200 additional Filipinos, as the total number of returnees has now exceeded 1,700.
