MANILA — Malacañang on Monday defended the absence of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to personally welcome overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from the conflict‑hit Middle East, saying government agencies had already been tasked to handle the reception and assistance for returning Filipinos.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President had designated the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to manage the arrival and immediate support for distressed workers coming home from the region.
“Nandyan po ang DMW at OWWA na siyang inutusan ng Pangulo na mag‑asikaso at tumulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Castro said.
Castro explained that the agencies were responsible for coordinating the airport reception and providing assistance to the repatriated workers upon arrival.
She added that the President has been focusing on other government responsibilities, including programs meant to cushion the impact of the Middle East conflict on Filipinos and the Philippine economy.
“Ayusin ang mga karagdagang programa at tulong sa ating mga kababayan para maibsan ang impact sa ating bansa ng mga nangyayari sa Middle East,” Castro said.
Earlier, the Department of Migrant Workers reported that at least 1,315 OFWs and their family members affected by the crisis had already received assistance from March 5 to March 14 under the government’s Bagong Pilipinas Repatriation Program.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the figure includes 1,022 overseas workers and 293 dependents who were either stranded or evacuated from areas affected by the conflict.
Cacdac said the government is prioritizing the repatriation of Filipinos located in high‑risk zones, those who are ill, and those facing humanitarian concerns while arrangements are made for their safe return to the Philippines.
The latest group of distressed workers arrived in Manila aboard a government‑chartered flight carrying OFWs from Riyadh./PN
