MANILA — Avielyn Peñacuba, a domestic worker, recounted her experience of leaving Beirut amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon.
She was one of 70 Filipinos who landed in Manila on Monday as part of the Philippine government’s efforts to repatriate migrant workers from the conflict-hit area.
Peñacuba, visibly emotional, shared that many other Filipinos remain in shelters, waiting for help to leave Lebanon.
“Wala pa ring tigil ang putukan at bombahan doon sa ilang lugar… Kami ay sobrang thankful na nakauwi kami nang ligtas dito dahil… kahit nasa airport na kami ay tuloy-tuloy na ang pagsabog doon,” she tearfully recalled, noting the constant sound of explosions even as they boarded their flight.
Israel continues to target Hezbollah positions through airstrikes, while the militant group responds with rocket attacks toward Israel.
The ongoing violence has put thousands of civilians, including Filipino workers, at risk.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac reported that this latest repatriation brings the total number of Filipinos returned from Lebanon to 630 adults and 32 dependents since last year.
“Ito yung batch na may pinakamaraming repatriates since we began,” Cacdac said, adding that around 400 more Filipinos are still in Lebanon, though this number may increase as more seek assistance.
While there is no mandatory evacuation in place, the Philippine government is encouraging voluntary repatriation.
Returning Filipinos will receive financial aid amounting to ₱170,000 through the Department of Migrant Workers’ Aksyon Fund and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s Emergency Repatriation Fund.
Cacdac noted that some Filipino workers, particularly those in domestic service, may be hesitant to leave due to emotional ties with their employers.
Despite the difficulties, Soriano Canor, a Filipino who had been working in Lebanon since 1995, shared her relief at returning home, though she acknowledged that many others remain in need of help.
“Wala kaming tulog kasi lagi kaming nayayanig… Marami pa ang nangangailangan doon,” Canor said.
In October 2023, the Philippines elevated its alert level in Lebanon to Level 3, initiating voluntary repatriation following the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.