The government successfully repatriated thirteen Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and one infant from Iraq, who arrived safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Monday.
The successful mission was the result of a seamless, multi-agency effort led by the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad (Baghdad PE), with critical transit facilitation provided by the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong.
Acting on the directives of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, MWO Hong Kong spearheaded the transit assistance. The group arrived at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) at 5:15 PM on April 26, where they were met by a high-level delegation, including:
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Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., Consul General
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Cesar L. Chavez, Jr., Labor Attaché
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George Mariano A. Soriano, Vice Consul
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Nemesia Karen E. Arlan, Assistant Labor Attaché
Personnel from both the PCG and MWO Hong Kong remained on-site to provide food provisions and welfare support, ensuring the group’s comfort during their six-hour layover before their 11:15 PM departure for Manila.
Upon landing at NAIA Terminal 1, the repatriates were received by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration – Repatriation Assistance Division (OWWA RAD). The team provided immediate airport facilitation and mapped out continued welfare support for the workers and the infant.
“Karapatan ng ating mga OFW ang isang ligtas at maayos na pag-uwi. Ikinagagalak ng MWO Hong Kong na makatulong sa kanila habang nasa transit, at makatrabaho ang PCG Hong Kong, Baghdad PE, at OWWA para matiyak na maayos ang kanilang biyahe at kalagayan hanggang sa kanilang pag-uwi,” said Labor Attaché Chavez.
This successful operation underscores the “One Country-Team Approach” of the Philippine government. By leveraging the cooperation of foreign posts in both the Middle East and East Asia, the DMW and DFA continue to ensure the safe, orderly, and dignified return of Filipino migrant workers regardless of their point of origin.
