AMID the growing conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the Philippine government to expedite the repatriation of thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who may be caught in the escalating violence.

In a strong statement, Hontiveros emphasized the need for swift action, calling on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to prioritize the safety and welfare of Filipinos in Lebanon.

Hontiveros highlighted the urgency of having contingency plans in place, noting that the situation could deteriorate rapidly if Israeli forces proceed with a ground invasion.

“Dapat may mga nakalatag nang contingency plans ang ating mga ahensya sakaling lumalala ang sitwasyon,” she stated, stressing that all government agencies must be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

The senator voiced her confidence in the government’s efforts but urged for more visible and immediate measure.

She called on the DFA and DMW to not only formulate comprehensive evacuation plans but also to begin pre-positioning resources and mobilizing teams to ensure a quick response if tensions escalate further.

“I trust that our government agencies are exhausting all options to ensure the security, safety, and welfare of our OFWs,” Hontiveros said.

She also emphasized the importance of coordination between Filipino workers and the Philippine embassy in Beirut.

“Nanawagan din tayo sa ating mga OFW na makipag-ugnayan sa ating embahada sa lalong madaling panahon,” she added, urging OFWs to register with the embassy to facilitate their potential evacuation.

Hontiveros stressed that the Senate is committed to ensuring that those who return to the Philippines will receive the necessary support.

She promised to push for livelihood assistance programs aimed at helping repatriated OFWs reintegrate into the local economy. This, she explained, is crucial for easing the transition of workers who may face financial difficulties after leaving their jobs abroad due to the conflict.

“Titiyakin namin sa Senado na dapat magkaroon ng livelihood assistance ang mga babalik sa bansa,” Hontiveros assured, adding that efforts would be made to provide returning workers with the necessary tools to rebuild their lives after being displaced by the conflict.

The senator’s remarks come as the Philippine government plans to evacuate approximately 11,000 Filipinos from Lebanon, where many work as domestic helpers.

Reportedly, Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega previously stated that the government is preparing to transport citizens out of Lebanon by sea should Israel initiate a ground invasion against Hezbollah. However, many Filipinos have opted to stay, despite calls from the government to leave before airlines halted flights to Beirut.

Hontiveros acknowledged the difficult decision many Filipinos face in choosing between staying in a conflict zone or returning to an uncertain economic future in the Philippines.

“To some of them, getting killed in war is preferable to starving to death,” de Vega said earlier, explaining that many OFWs in Lebanon are hesitant to leave despite the looming threat of violence.

Hontiveros also expressed concerns about the broader implications of the conflict. As Israel continues its bombardment of Hezbollah strongholds, and Hezbollah retaliates with rocket fire, the conflict threatens to escalate into a full-scale regional war.

The Philippine government has been preparing for this possibility, offering voluntary repatriation to Filipinos in Lebanon and Israel.

It waa reported that as the conflict rages on, only a small fraction of Filipinos—500 so far—have taken up the government’s offer to leave Lebanon.

Many OFWs are located in central Lebanon, particularly around Beirut, an area less affected by the conflict so far.

However, Filipino Ambassador to Beirut Raymond Balatbat reported that nearly 200 Filipinos had fled southern Lebanon, where the heaviest fighting is taking place.

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Camille P. Balagtas