COVID-19 Sub-Task Group clears more than 18,000 returning overseas Filipinos

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 24) — At least 18,213 returning Filipino can now go home to their provinces after testing negative for COVID-19, the Sub-Task Group for the Repatriation of overseas Filipino workers said Wednesday.

Those who were cleared should coordinate with the Philippine Coast Guard or the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration at their respective quarantine facilities for the processing of their return, it added.

OFWs swabbed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will receive their certifications from the Philippine Red Cross through e-mail, and can leave the quarantine facility after their certifications are verified by the PCG or OWWA personnel, the sub-task group said.

For those swabbed in cruise ships, in quarantine hotels, or at the Palacio de Maynila Testing Center, processing and printing of clearances will be at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange or at NAIA.

The government has been accelerating its program to send home returning OFWs on President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive following complaints some them were stuck for up to two months in COVID-19 accredited quarantine facilities due to delays in the processing of their clearances.

Early this month, the Labor department said 23,472 returning workers were already sent home to their provinces, while hundreds still await clearance. The government also expects around 60,000 returning workers in the next two months, with some 300,000 more returning for the rest of the year.