ILOILO City – A total of 2,048 Ilonggo overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Iloilo City and Iloilo Province so far accounted are being closely monitored as tensions escalate in the Middle East, prompting local governments to activate hotlines, profile workers, and prepare assistance funds in case mandatory repatriation is ordered.
Data from Iloilo City’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) show that 224 OFWs from this city are currently working in Middle East countries, with the city hall on standby for possible evacuation directives from the Department of Migrant Workers.
Following the death of its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday from joint United States – Israel airstrikes, Iran fired missiles and armed-drones to Israel and neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria.
Mayor Raisa Treñas assured that the city government is ready to extend assistance should any of the affected workers be sent home.
Funds have already been earmarked under the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) to provide immediate support to returning OFWs.
The mayor earlier reiterated that there is, so far, no directive for mandatory repatriation of Filipino workers, but the city has activated support mechanisms to respond swiftly should the need arise.
The city’s PESO has coordinated with Barangay Employment Service Officers (BESOs) in all barangays to ensure families receive timely updates and assistance.
At the provincial level, the number of Ilonggo OFWs profiled in the Middle East surged from 128 to 1,824 as of 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, according to the Provincial PESO.
“Generally safe ini sila tanan based man sa aton nga pag-istorya sa ila tagsa ka families through our hotline numbers and based man sa pag-istorya sang aton PESO coordinators sa ila,” said Provincial PESO manager Cynthia Dario.
Here’s the breakdown per municipality: Ajuy (18), Alimodian (19), Anilao (53), Badiangan (112), Balasan (11), Banate (40), Barotac Nuevo (eight), Barotac Viejo (23), Batad (29), Cabatuan (150), Calinog (five), Carles (one), Concepcion (101), Dingle (nine), Dumangas (164), Estancia (75), Guimbal (61), Igbaras (eight), Janiuay (56), Lambunao (27), Leganes (10), Lemery (403), Leon (three), Maasin (nine), Miag-ao (20), Mins (six), New Lucena (one), Oton (19), Passi City (55), Pavia (19), Pototan (199), San Dionisio (five), San Enrique (six), San Joaquin (15), San Miguel (one), San Rafael (three), Santa Barbara (six), Sara (11), Tigbauan (41), Tigbauan (six), and Zarraga (18).
Dario clarified that the ongoing effort is still primarily profiling and monitoring, with the next step to determine if any OFWs wish to be repatriated. She noted that most workers remain indoors, especially during missile alerts or reported attacks.
The profiling drive was undertaken upon the order of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. to closely monitor the situation and extend assistance, including repatriation support if necessary.
To strengthen communication lines, the Provincial PESO launched 24/7 hotline numbers over the weekend for OFWs and their families seeking assistance or updates – 0998-990-5663, 0917-754-3833, 0910-005-4682, 0916-758-3156, 0995-931-0922, 0917-881-7808, and 0961-680-4428.
The hotlines are also accessible through Viber and WhatsApp.
Both the Iloilo City Government and the Iloilo Provincial Government said they remain on alert as developments continue overseas, assuring families that mechanisms are in place to safeguard Ilonggo migrant workers should the crisis further intensify./PN
