Over 9,000 OFWs repatriated amid Middle East crisis

National

MORE than 9,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been repatriated amid the continuing crisis in the Middle East, with the government sustaining repatriation flights and assistance programs for affected Filipinos, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

During a press briefing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said a total of 9,038 OFWs had returned to the country as of May 7, 2026.

In a report by Philstar, Cacdac said repatriation operations will continue, particularly in Kuwait, where more Filipinos are still seeking assistance and return flights due to ongoing regional tensions.

The DMW also confirmed that seven Filipino seafarers were seriously injured following an alleged Iranian drone strike on the Malta-flagged vessel CMA CGM San Antonio while passing through the Strait of Hormuz near Oman on May 5.

According to the agency, the injured crew members are undergoing treatment, with some currently confined in the intensive care unit of an undisclosed hospital.

Authorities said around 1,400 Filipino seafarers have already exited the Strait of Hormuz, including 92 crew members aboard four vessels that left the area within the past week.

The DMW added that it continues to coordinate with manning agencies and shipowners to facilitate the safe extraction and replacement of Filipino workers assigned in high-risk areas across the Persian Gulf.

Government assistance for returning OFWs, including financial aid and reintegration support, remains ongoing as tensions in the region persist. (Jene-V N. Sayson, CTU-TC BAEL-ELSD Intern)