00:00Contrary to the rather misguided claims of the sitting vice president of slothful movements
00:05and the lack of urgency in government's repatriation efforts,
00:08close to six dozen of migrant Filipino workers arrived home last night from the Middle East
00:13aboard an Emirates flight.
00:15This despite the shutdown of air spaces in nearly all the Gulf states
00:19and the host country's discretion in how and when to permit repatriation flights to take off,
00:25as our Denise Osoria reports.
00:29The first group of government-sponsored repatriates from the Middle East
00:32arrived in the Philippines last night on Emirates flight EK334.
00:37Among those who returned were 90 OFWs and their dependents,
00:40who went through a complex repatriation process amid limited or closed airspace.
00:45Following claims circulating in social media suggesting that only the UAE helped stranded Filipinos,
00:50the Department of Migrant Workers clarified that in situations like this,
00:54the host country has its own measures in place to ensure the safety and protection of everyone within its territory.
01:00The host country is in charge, especially in a situation where it is being militarily attacked.
01:07That's perhaps the biggest reason why those who were stranded,
01:13those who post in social media and say all they saw was the host country government,
01:18is precisely because it is the host country government who in its own interest operates to repel the attack
01:27and protect the residents or citizens within the territory, its own national territory.
01:34The Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration, or OWA, said government support for OFWs does not end once they board the flight
01:42home.
01:42Assistance includes pre-departure requirements, temporary accommodation, food, medical support, and help in processing their return.
01:49The DMW also extended financial assistance as part of its post-repatriation aid.
01:54One of the returning OFWs, Jen, expressed deep gratitude to the government, saying the OWA moved quickly to help her
02:01get home.
02:02Pagka-problema ako sa trabaho, sa kanila akong lumapit.
02:06So lahat na assistance na kailangan, pati yung pag-uwi, preparation, shelter if needed, pati yung pagkain, na-provide naman
02:15nila.
02:16Even medical assistance kapag kailangan.
02:18Yes, na ano naman nila, inasikaso nila, dumahan na lahat sa mga proseso.
02:24Syempre, sumunod kami sa UAE law.
02:27Okay naman lahat.
02:28As more Filipinos gradually return home, the government's broader operations continue across the countries affected by the crisis.
02:36More than 9,500 Filipinos have received on-site assistance, including food, hygiene kits, temporary accommodation, and other basic needs.
02:44More than 1,600 have also received post-repatriation services here in the Philippines.
02:49As I mentioned, efforts are underway in terms of chartering.
02:53But there are challenges inherent.
02:55As I said, there's no airspace immediately available.
03:00So kailangan nga talaga yung land crossings.
03:03And when that happens, you need to talk to...
03:07Tandaan natin na ang OFWs are great in number.
03:10So the volume of crossing people over means may coordination dun sa origin country, the host country,
03:16at dun sa pagtatawiran.
03:18And then your logistics of bringing people over, considering what's going on with the attacks.
03:24Most of the OFWs who arrived came from the UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while some also came from
03:30other affected Gulf states.
03:32Many of them hope to return to their employers once the tensions ease.
03:36Among those who arrived was one of the two recorded injured OFWs, though the individual chose not to appear on
03:41camera or give a statement.
03:43For OFWs still abroad and waiting for help, the DMW also issued a reminder on the fastest way to request
03:49assistance.
03:50I'd like to address yung past few days, there were comments about not being able to reach some numbers.
03:57So just to remind everyone as well, in our eGov app, there's a report function, OFW, and then you just
04:05indicate your concern, request for repatriation.
04:11It goes to the database of OWA, and we will be the one to call you and connect you with
04:18the right embassy or the right migrant workers office.
04:22Those seeking help may also call the 1348 Central Hotline for requests for assistance.
04:28Denise Osorio for the National Television Network for a new and better Philippines.
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