The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported that at least 571 Filipinos have expressed their willingness to return to the Philippines, while an additional 20 are scheduled to arrive in the country this weekend.
“This weekend, may mga 20 makauwi. Nagsimula na kagabi. May dalawang nauwi kagabi/kahapon, Biyernes at mayroon pang dalawang flights na dadating,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said on Saturday.
He noted that 221 of the 571 individuals are ready for repatriation, while 350 are in the process of being cleared by Lebanese immigration.
Additionally, Cacdac reported that 178 Filipinos are currently staying in Philippine-run shelters, which include four temporary accommodations located in various areas of Beirut. The shelters are staffed by a doctor, a nurse, and a social worker.
“So, patuloy lang ang ating effort. Of course, we are still considering the option of chartering by air or by sea but we will leave the details muna,” Cacdac said.
“We’re still undertaking the preparations and we’re leaving the details for that matter or for a future announcement,” he added.
Cacdac stated that around 11,000 Filipinos reside in Lebanon, mainly in Beirut, where the majority are employed as domestic workers.
On October 9, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed all relevant government agencies to prepare resources for the safe and prompt repatriation of Filipinos affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon.
