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Advocates Philippines
President Marcos Mobilizes Repatriation Efforts For More Than 400 Filipinos In Lebanon
Photo credit: PCO
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) recently held a press briefing with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to discuss urgent directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. regarding the repatriation of over 400 Filipinos currently in Lebanon. This development came right after the President’s emergency online meeting with various government agencies while attending the 44th and 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits in Laos.
During the press briefing, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac shared President Marcos’ clear and strong directive: prioritize the safety and well-being of Filipinos in Lebanon who wish to be repatriated and ensure that they are brought back home safely.
“Yes, the President made clear in the meeting yesterday that first and foremost would be the safety and security of our OFWs in Lebanon who wish to be repatriated. The President directed heads of government agencies—including the DMW, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of National Defense (DND), and OWWA—to mobilize resources and government assets for this effort,” Cacdac said.
The Secretary hinted at various transportation options, such as sending a ship or utilizing air travel to bring home the Filipinos but remained cautious in revealing further operational details. “We’re still at a sensitive, preparatory stage,” he added. However, he assured the public that an announcement would be made once transport arrangements are finalized.
For now, 192 Filipinos have been booked on commercial flights starting October 11 and stretching up to October 28. The repatriation involves at least two commercial airlines, with the first batch of 11 OFWs expected to arrive this weekend. Meanwhile, there are still 413 other Filipinos awaiting processing by Lebanese immigration authorities.
When asked about the total Filipino population in Lebanon, Cacdac confirmed, “We have around 11,000 Filipinos in Lebanon. Right now, we have 192 ready for repatriation, with 413 in the pipeline—meaning yet to be processed by Lebanese immigration.”
The DMW, OWWA, and other government agencies are also providing support and temporary shelter to OFWs in Lebanon. Currently, 179 Filipinos are housed in four different shelters around Beirut.
Secretary Cacdac emphasized that the repatriation process is a two-step procedure: first, receiving and processing the repatriation request at the DMW and OWWA level, then endorsing the request to Lebanese immigration authorities. He concluded with the assurance that the government will continue working tirelessly to bring Filipinos home safely and efficiently.
During the press briefing, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac shared President Marcos’ clear and strong directive: prioritize the safety and well-being of Filipinos in Lebanon who wish to be repatriated and ensure that they are brought back home safely.
“Yes, the President made clear in the meeting yesterday that first and foremost would be the safety and security of our OFWs in Lebanon who wish to be repatriated. The President directed heads of government agencies—including the DMW, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of National Defense (DND), and OWWA—to mobilize resources and government assets for this effort,” Cacdac said.
The Secretary hinted at various transportation options, such as sending a ship or utilizing air travel to bring home the Filipinos but remained cautious in revealing further operational details. “We’re still at a sensitive, preparatory stage,” he added. However, he assured the public that an announcement would be made once transport arrangements are finalized.
For now, 192 Filipinos have been booked on commercial flights starting October 11 and stretching up to October 28. The repatriation involves at least two commercial airlines, with the first batch of 11 OFWs expected to arrive this weekend. Meanwhile, there are still 413 other Filipinos awaiting processing by Lebanese immigration authorities.
When asked about the total Filipino population in Lebanon, Cacdac confirmed, “We have around 11,000 Filipinos in Lebanon. Right now, we have 192 ready for repatriation, with 413 in the pipeline—meaning yet to be processed by Lebanese immigration.”
The DMW, OWWA, and other government agencies are also providing support and temporary shelter to OFWs in Lebanon. Currently, 179 Filipinos are housed in four different shelters around Beirut.
Secretary Cacdac emphasized that the repatriation process is a two-step procedure: first, receiving and processing the repatriation request at the DMW and OWWA level, then endorsing the request to Lebanese immigration authorities. He concluded with the assurance that the government will continue working tirelessly to bring Filipinos home safely and efficiently.
Oct 10, 2024
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