Around 10 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound for the Middle East were stranded Monday morning at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 following flight cancellations amid escalating tensions in the region.
According to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort on DZRH's Dos Por Dos, the affected workers are currently staying at the OFW lounge inside the terminal, where they were provided free breakfast and assistance.
One of the stranded passengers, Lester Sisay, said he only learned about the cancellation of his flight back to Saudi Arabia upon arriving at the airport today.
Sisay, a nursing assistant who has been working in Saudi Arabia for four years, said his trip involved a connecting flight via Cathay Pacific. He returned to the Philippines on February 1 for a vacation and was caught off guard by the sudden escalation of tensions involving the United States-Israel, and Iran.
Hindi daw allowed yung papuntang Saudi kasi pang konektado ‘yung para sa Iran ‘yung nangyari dooon. Hindi nagmessage ‘yung company ko kaya hindi ko nalaman na ganun pala. Sabi ng Cathay staff doon, sabi niya ipaparebook ko ra ulit para sa March 3 or 4,” Sisay said.
He added that airline staff informed him that he may be rebooked for March 3 or 4.
The Mindanao native expressed concern about his job security amid the ongoing crisis.
Earlier, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) assured stranded OFWs of assistance, including temporary accommodation and transportation support.
Authorities also said labor attachés will coordinate with employers to ensure that affected OFWs will not be dismissed or lose their jobs due to the travel disruptions.
On Sunday, more than 200 OFWs bound for the Middle East were also stranded at NAIA Terminal 3 but were promptly assisted by government agencies.
OWWA officials visited the affected passengers as part of the government’s ongoing monitoring and coordination efforts.
According to the agency, measures are being undertaken to ensure that OFWs receive immediate assistance and adequate information while awaiting further developments regarding the situation in the Middle East.
