A total of 317 Filipinos from the Middle East arrived safely in the Philippines on Thursday afternoon, March 19, through the government’s third chartered flight, as authorities continue repatriation efforts amid ongoing regional tensions.

The flight landed at Villamor Air Base, carrying 153 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), 114 of their dependents, and 50 stranded Filipino passengers who opted to return home due to the continuing instability in the region, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Upon arrival, the returning Filipinos were welcomed by DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, who assured them of government support as they reintegrated into their communities.

The latest batch follows the earlier arrival of 70 OFWs and their dependents on the same day via two separate flights from Qatar and Kuwait.

The DMW said it continues to coordinate closely with partner agencies to safeguard the welfare of Filipino workers abroad, especially those affected by unrest in the Middle East. The agency emphasized that assistance programs are in place to support returning Filipinos until they are reunited with their families.

One of the repatriates, Rowena Baya, a domestic worker from Kuwait, expressed gratitude for the government’s swift response.

“Mabilis po ang pagtulong sa amin at masaya po ako na makikita ko na ang aking pamilya dito po sa Pilipinas,” she said.

The government reiterated that ensuring the safety, welfare, and orderly return of Filipinos caught in conflict-affected areas remains a top priority.