PHILIPPINES: Twenty four overseas Filipino workers have begun their journey home after the Republic of Singapore Air Force helped fly them out of Jeddah amid ongoing regional disruptions in the Middle East, the PNA reported.
The evacuation was arranged after the workers were unable to secure commercial flights due to limited availability following airspace disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Contents
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the group departed King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on March 12 aboard a Republic of Singapore Air Force A330 Multi Role Transport Tanker.
The flight had originally been mounted to repatriate Singaporean nationals. However, additional seats were extended to Filipino workers who were struggling to find outbound flights.
The 24 OFWs were accompanied to the airport by Consul General to Jeddah Rommel Romato.
They arrived in Singapore at around 6 a.m. on March 13, where the Philippine Embassy in Singapore assisted them with their onward travel arrangements back to the Philippines.
Philippine agencies coordinate onward travel
The Migrant Workers Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Jeddah coordinated the workers’ next steps once they reached Singapore.
Support provided included:
• Booking connecting flights from Singapore to Manila
• Providing financial assistance for travel expenses
• Coordinating with Philippine diplomats to ensure smooth transit
Officials said the effort was part of the government’s broader response to help overseas Filipinos affected by regional instability.
DFA thanks Singapore for assistance
The DFA expressed appreciation to the Singaporean government for including Filipino nationals on the repatriation flight.
The department described the move as a gesture reflecting the spirit of solidarity among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See also emphasized that the decision to offer seats to Filipinos was made in the same spirit of regional cooperation.
She noted that ASEAN countries have supported one another during previous crises.
According to the ambassador, the assistance complements the Philippines’ own repatriation efforts for citizens affected by the Middle East situation.
ASEAN cooperation during crises
Singapore officials said helping the Filipino workers reflected the strong relationship between the two countries.
“This is really ASEAN solidarity in action, neighbors helping neighbors in difficult moments,” See said.
She added that what matters most during emergencies is ensuring that people are able to return safely to their families.
The DFA said Philippine foreign service posts continue to monitor the situation in the region and coordinate with partner governments when necessary to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos abroad.