Manila, Philippines – On February 28, Israel joined forces with the United States in launching airstrikes over several cities in Iran.
The attack immediately escalated with Iran firing counterattacks targeting Israel, US military bases, and its allied countries in the Middle East.
In over a month of countinued tension in the Middle East, over 3,700 individuals were reported dead in the region, based on Iran Health Ministry, National Health, Defense and Interior Ministries’ tally until April 3.
Amidst the still ongoing tension, the second Filipino national killed during the attacks was reported.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed the death of a Filipina after a missile attack hit a residence area in Haifa, Israel on April 5.
She died along with her Israeli husband, and elderly parent-in-laws.
The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv has informed her family, who requested privacy as they grieve in peace for the loss of their loved one.
DFA likewise expressed sorrow and sympathy for the family, and committed into providing necessary assistance, including the earliest possible repatriation of her remains amid the travel restrictions in the region.
PG GOV’T ASSURES CONTINUOUS REPATRIATION EFFORTS FOR FILIPINOS IN MIDDLE EAST
In response to the Middle East crisis, the Philippine government assures support for Filipino overseas workers affected by the tension, including the repatriation programs for them.
During the last three days, more OFWs have successfully and safely returned in the PHilippines from the Middle East.
On Saturday night, 67 Filipinos, composed of 54 OFWs and 13 relatives from Qatar, followed by another batch of 19 OFWS and 1 dependent from Qatar the next day.
On Monday morning, 9 OFWs and 1 dependent from the United Arab Emirates returned to the Philippines, followed by 7 OFWs from Lebanon on the same day.
They immediately received post-repatriation assistance from related government agencies including food, financial aid, medical support, and travel aid,
Aside from repatriation activities, DMW also assured continuous suppirt for OFW who have returned in the Philippines.
On April 6, DMW along with 25 other agencies launched “Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa” National Reintegration Network (NRN) and Job Fair offering various services and programs for Filipino returnees.
8,000 local and overseas job opportunities were offered in the Job Fair aiming to help OFW returneed find new working opportunities.
This is still aside from other reintegration services offered like livelihood grants, skills training scholarships, social protection benefits, and psychosocial interventions.
Since February, 4000 OFWs have returned and were given reintegration services by the government.