The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is calling on the relatives and friends of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) still in Lebanon to encourage them to return to the Philippines as tensions escalate between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
As reported by Sam Nielsen on Super Radyo dzBB, OWWA advised OFWs and their families who need assistance to reach out via the following contact numbers: OFWs can call +961 79110729, and dependents can call +961 70858086.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega noted that around a thousand Filipinos in Lebanon have expressed their intent to return home. So far, 356 individuals have been repatriated. Lebanon hosts approximately 11,000 Filipinos, some of whom are undocumented.
The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon recently issued an advisory urging Filipino citizens to leave the country immediately while the airport remains operational. Those unable to leave are advised to evacuate to safer areas away from Beirut, South Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley.
Despite the growing concerns, some OFWs, like Bernadith Guiang, have chosen to stay in Beirut. “I’m not worried yet, but I’d like to move if I can find a place to go. Don’t worry about me; I’m okay here. If the situation worsens, I might return home,” Guiang said in an interview with 24 Oras Weekend.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 10 deaths, including two children, following the latest Israeli bombing in Southern Lebanon. The situation remains tense, and the Philippine government continues to monitor developments closely, considering the possibility of raising the alert level to mandatory repatriation if necessary.
For now, the situation is at Alert Level 3, where repatriation is voluntary. The government is prepared to assist those who wish to return home.