Speaker Romualdez calls for speedy repatriation of OFWs affected by Hamas attacks
HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez urgently appealed to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for the speedy repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the intensifying conflict between Israeli forces and the Hamas militant group.
The House Speaker has also vowed to give an additional P500,000, from his own funds, to aid the family of the third Filipino fatality in the ongoing strife.
It can be recalled that earlier, Speaker Romualdez said that he, together with Tingog Partylist Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, would give a personal donation of P500,000 each, to the families of the first two Filipinos, who tragically perished during the hostilities.
The lawmaker also expressed great concern for the safety of Filipinos who are stuck in the chaos and therefore called on the DFA and the DMW to immediately process the repatriation of the said OFWs.
According to the leader of the House, the desire of Filipinos to return home is an indication of what is really happening in Israel and Gaza.
“What we’ve learned from DFA and credible news sources is that nearly a hundred OFWs based in Israel are eager to return to the Philippines,” he said.
He added, “I am confident in the preparedness of our Armed Forces, with their C-130 aircraft at the ready to transport and bring our OFWs safely back home. But I believe the DFA and DMW have the necessary funds to facilitate the repatriation of our OFWs, enabling them to charter flights for this purpose.”
Recent data from the DFA indicates that of the 131 Filipinos in Gaza, an alarming 92 wish to return home. Moreover, in Israel, at least 22 Filipinos have formally sought repatriation, underscoring the pressing need for action.
Romualdez proposed that mercy flights need not land directly in Israel, suggesting alternative sites such as Egypt or Jordan for the safety and expediency of the returning OFWs. He urged those in conflict zones to quickly reach out to the Philippine Embassy to ensure their safety.
“The safety and welfare of Filipino citizens are paramount, and we are committed to working closely with the DFA, DMW, and other relevant authorities to ensure the swift and secure repatriation of our OFWs from the conflict areas,” the House Speaker said.
The current hostilities have claimed the lives of three Filipinos, all of whom were dedicated caregivers. The most recent casualty, a 49-year-old woman from Negros Occidental, was killed during a Hamas militant attack while attending a music festival near the Gaza-Israel border on October 7.
Meanwhile, aside from financial aid, Speaker Romualdez also promised to find a way to increase the income of the families of the victims and support their recovery from the tragedy.
