60 more Pinoys from Israel repatriated

Authorities reported that the fourth batch of repatriated overseas Filipino workers from Israel, 60 in all, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday afternoon.

Reports said that of the 60 Pinoy repatriates, 32 were hotel workers and 28 were caregivers.

To recall, a total of 25 Filipinos arrived in the country last week amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group composed of 15 caregivers, one hotel worker, and a one-month-old infant.

Two days later, 18 more Filipinos, including 14 caregivers and four hotel employees were also repatriated.

They were offered a repatriation assistance package of P50,000 each from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to address the needs of their families and help them transition smoothly back to their daily lives.

Over the weekend, DMW officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac said an additional 185 Filipinos requested repatriation from Tel Aviv.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier placed Israel under Alert Level 2 following the deadly attack of Hamas on 7 October.

Alert Level 2 entails restriction of non-essential movements, avoiding places of protest, and preparation for possible evacuation.

Meantime, the Department of Social Welfare and Development announced that it will provide cash aid to the newly-repatriated Filipinos.

This was announced by DSWD Program Management Bureau director Miramel Garcia-Laxa as she led DSWD personnel in welcoming the repatriates upon their arrival at NAIA.

She added that they will be provided with a total of P20,000 worth of food and cash aid.