Metro Manila, Philippines — Over 190 Filipinos will fly out of Lebanon this month to avoid getting caught in the conflict with Israel, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Thursday, Oct. 10.
The commercial flight bookings are from Oct. 11 to 28.
In a news briefing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said 11 workers will arrive at the weekend on three different flights.
“Di sila mai-book nang sabay-sabay ‘yong usual na block booking, medyo hirap sa ganun, eh, ‘yong kukunin mo ang isang section ng eroplano. Kinakamada natin ‘yong flights, the workers are assigned to different flights,” Cacdac told reporters.
[Translation: We cannot make a block booking and get a section of the plane. We are positioning the flights, the workers are assigned to different flights.]
The secretary said Lebanese immigration authorities are processing the papers of 413 others up for repatriation.
He said the Philippine embassy in Beirut is trying its best to follow through with Lebanese authorities.
“It’s not, should I say, dynamic, that goes on everyday ‘yong coordination and follow-up with Lebanese authorities,” he said. “We are hoping and praying na may subsequent releases dun sa mga pending nag-a-apply [that there will be subsequent releases to those with pending applications] for clearance.”
As of Oct. 8, the embassy has received 1,721 repatriation requests, including 511 that have returned to the Philippines.
On Marcos’ directive
Cacdac said the latest directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would strengthen the response as the conflict simmers.
RELATED: Marcos orders Lebanon evacuation preparedness
“That’s a huge difference because now we have the support of the armed forces,” he said.
“We will also heighten our services and movement. Meron na kaming help desk… Pinaigting ng presidente at sabi niya mas lalo natin tugunan ‘yong OFWs,” he added.
[Translation: We now have a help desk. The president reinforced our response and said to address more the needs of OFWs.]
Alert Level 3 or voluntary repatriation is up in Lebanon.
Filipinos ‘safe, sound’ in shelters
Cacdac said 179 Filipinos are staying in four shelters in Beirut.
“They are fine, they are safe and sound,” he said, adding a team that includes a social worker, nurse, and doctor is looking after them.
He said personnel from DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) reported that Filipinos are so far safe in the capital
“We did not find any Filipinos lying on the ground, in tents, but the rounds will continue,” he said.
