The Philippine government has successfully facilitated the arrival of the eighth chartered repatriation flight from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), bringing home a total of 342 Filipinos amid ongoing tensions in parts of the Middle East.

The latest group of returnees is composed of 203 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), 119 dependents, and 20 other Filipino nationals. The flight marks another coordinated humanitarian effort led by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in partnership with the Migrant Workers Office in Abu Dhabi, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Philippine Embassy in the UAE.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said: “The Philippine Country Team in Abu Dhabi successfully facilitated the repatriation flight, assisting Filipino nationals affected by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.”

It added that the effort reflects the government’s continued commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Filipinos overseas.

Upon arrival in Manila, returning nationals are set to receive assistance, including financial aid, medical support, temporary accommodation, and reintegration services, along with immigration and customs facilitation.

Meanwhile, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac acknowledged the evolving security situation in the region, particularly in Lebanon, where recent incidents have raised concerns.

In a statement, Cacdac said: “Nagkaroon nga ng putukan, attacks doon for the last 48 hours or so… but wala naman naulat na Pilipino na nasaktan. We hope it stays that way.”

He added that the government remains prepared for possible further evacuations if conditions worsen, noting that around 60 Filipinos have already been repatriated from Lebanon.

The DFA and DMW reiterated that Philippine diplomatic missions remain on standby to provide assistance to affected Filipinos abroad, as authorities continue monitoring developments in the region and coordinating additional repatriation efforts if necessary.