PHILIPPINES: Malacañang has defended President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s absence from the airport welcome for Filipinos returning from the Middle East, saying government agencies have been tasked to assist repatriates arriving in the country.
The explanation came after questions were raised about why the President was not present at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to personally greet overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families returning from areas affected by the ongoing regional conflict, GMA News Online reported.
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Palace: Agencies assigned to assist returning Filipinos
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President had already directed the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to handle the reception and support for returning Filipinos.
“Nandyan po ang DMW at OWWA na siyang inutusan ng Pangulo na mag-asikaso at tumulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Castro said in a statement.
Officials from both agencies have been present at the airport to receive repatriates, provide assistance, and coordinate transportation and other immediate needs upon arrival.
President focused on broader response
Castro added that President Marcos is currently attending to other responsibilities related to the situation in the Middle East, including preparing additional government programs and assistance measures.
According to the Palace, these efforts aim to mitigate the impact of the regional conflict on both Filipinos abroad and the Philippine economy.
“Ayusin ang mga karagdagang programa at tulong sa ating mga kababayan para maibsan ang impact sa ating bansa ng mga nangyayari sa Middle East,” Castro said.
Over 1,300 Filipinos assisted so far
Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers reported that 1,315 Filipinos affected by the crisis have already been assisted by the government under the Bagong Pilipinas Repatriation Program.
The figure covers assistance provided between March 5 and March 14.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the number includes:
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1,022 overseas Filipino workers
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293 dependents
Many of those assisted were stranded or distressed Filipinos coming from areas affected by the conflict.
Priority for vulnerable workers
According to Cacdac, authorities are prioritizing repatriation for Filipinos who are:
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Located in high risk areas
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Ill or medically vulnerable
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Facing humanitarian concerns
Government agencies continue to coordinate flights and travel arrangements to ensure their safe, orderly, and dignified return to the Philippines.
The latest group of returning Filipinos arrived on board a government chartered flight from Riyadh, carrying distressed and stranded OFWs affected by the crisis.
Officials said repatriation operations will continue as the government monitors the evolving situation in the Middle East.