Manama, Bahrain — Dulce Bose Lloroso, a 48-year-old cancer patient and salon receptionist hailing from San Fernando, Masbate, along with Alberto Salalap Sumpay Jr., a 52-year-old florist and a stroke survivor from Talisay, Iloilo, were part of the fifth batch of repatriation efforts for overseas Filipinos. This group consisted of 153 individuals, which included 107 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and 46 dependents.
They arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on April 13, 2026, via Gulf Air Flight 154, originated from the Kingdom of Bahrain, with a transit stop in Dammam on April 12, 2026.
Their return underscores the need to prioritize the safety and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, especially those with significant health issues. The Philippine government, through its repatriation program managed by the One Country Team of the Philippine Embassy Manama, sought to bring citizens home as regional tensions escalated, impacting thousands of migrant workers in Bahrain and surrounding areas.
Through the coordinated efforts of key government agencies included the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers – Migrant Workers Office – Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (DMW-MWO-OWWA), the Philippine government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of its nationals abroad, particularly those confronting serious health challenges during times of regional unrest.
Lloroso, who has been employed in Bahrain for 15 years, received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2024. She underwent eight chemotherapy sessions and subsequently had surgery in July 2025, necessitating ongoing medical support before her repatriation. Meanwhile, Sumpay Jr., who had spent 25 years working abroad, survived two strokes and was kept on medication. Initially, he faced travel restrictions due to specific procedural issues.
According to Lloroso, “I did not hesitate to make the decision; at last, I will be able to go home,” as her 18-year-old daughter eagerly awaits her return.
With a bright and optimistic outlook, she added, “I hope I am still given a long life,” reflecting her wish for more time, strength, and recovery in the years ahead.
She also expressed her appreciation to her friend Mary Jane Candido, who supported her throughout her medical journey and provided unwavering care during her treatment and recovery.
Conversely, Sumpay Jr. conveyed his enthusiasm about finally returning home to reunite with his family, mentioning that once he recovers, he intends to start a business.
Both individuals expressed their gratitude to Fritzie Ileto Banez and Abdulrahim Roozbah, staff members of the MWO, for their help in meeting medical needs and for facilitating the necessary arrangements that allowed Sumpay Jr.’s travel clearance.
The fifth batch is part of the government’s continuing humanitarian initiatives to assist vulnerable OFWs affected by health concerns and emergencies, especially amid conflict in the Middle East. The program ensures that individuals like Lloroso and Sumpay Jr. receive structured support, including safe travel arrangements, proper documentation, and reintegration assistance upon their return to the Philippines.
On April 11, 2026, an orientation session took place for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents to ensure a seamless and well-organized travel experience. The event was honored by the attendance of His Excellency Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, the Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, alongside Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Labor Attaché Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc, Vice Consul Charlie Froilan Prenicolas, OWWA Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns B. Gumabay, and Moira G. Gallaga, the spouse of Ambassador Gallaga.
In his address Dr. Ballitoc explained that the primary objective of the orientation was to equip both OFWs and their families with the knowledge needed for a safe, coordinated, and stress-free journey back home. Among those repatriated, 122 were adults and 32 were children.
The session provided essential information on flight procedures, required documentation, and health and safety protocols, as well as arrival and departure arrangements in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. It also briefed the returnees on the support services available upon arrival in the Philippines, including medical assistance, transportation, temporary accommodation, tickets for provincial returnees, and reintegration programs.
Former Bahrain Welfare Officer Dr. Amelito S. Adel, together with OWWA Welfare Officer in Riyadh Eric Miranda and members of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Rapid Response Team, Marcelo S. Maningding Jr. and Kristine Oliveros, were present, contributing significantly to the successful implementation of the repatriation operation.
Their involvement underscored the collaborative structure of multi-agency support for overseas Filipino workers, guaranteeing that all essential assistance was efficiently delivered during the entire process.
Personnel and staff from the Philippine Embassy Manama (DFA, MWO, OWWA, SSS), along with volunteers from different Filipino organizations, offered crucial assistance throughout the repatriation process.
This cooperation between government entities and Filipino community volunteers highlights an efficient partnership in delivering extensive humanitarian aid, guaranteeing that distressed nationals obtain timely and suitable support.
In addition to providing free travel tickets, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) has extended financial assistance of US$200 to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) prior to their departure from Bahrain. This initiative highlights the government’s sustained commitment to offering comprehensive support both logistical and financial to ensure a safe, dignified, and well-coordinated return for the workers and their families.
Each individual was allocated a total baggage allowance of 40 kilograms across two bags, which were loaded onto buses bound for Dammam with the assistance of Gulf Air personnel and volunteers from various organizations.
Arnold Pinarroyo, 53 years old, the President of the Intl. Fraternal Order Guardian Brotherhood Inc., led his organization in offering essential luggage assistance during the repatriation process, making sure that the belongings of returning overseas Filipino workers were managed efficiently and organized for transport.
In addition to this initiative, the group has regularly volunteered with the Philippine Embassy, actively contributing to humanitarian efforts such as repacking food supplies and delivering food packs to ‘’No Work No Pay’’ OFWs. Their ongoing participation demonstrates a strong spirit of service and solidarity within the Filipino community complementing government initiatives to support distressed nationals through timely and compassionate assistance.
Three household workers who had been staying at the Philippine Embassy ward—namely Josielyn Milla, Gladys Lapasanda, and Marissa Peliro—were also included in the repatriation.
For Dulce Bose Lloroso and Alberto Salalap Sumpay Jr., their return home signified a profoundly emotional and welcomed relief following their extended health challenges and the difficulties faced while working abroad. Their arrival not only reunites them with the care and support of their families but also instills a renewed sense of hope for recovery, healing, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives in the Philippines. This initiative exemplifies the government’s ongoing commitment to delivering prompt assistance, protection, and reintegration support to Filipinos in distress abroad, especially during times of conflict.Cancer patient and stroke survivor among repatriated OFWs from Bahrain
