21 OFWs return from Israel

Twenty-one overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel arrived in the Philippines this week following their repatriation from Israel.

The Department of Migrant Workers said Saturday that the latest batch of overseas Filipinos arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Friday night from Tel Aviv, with a layover in Bangkok, amid rising tensions in the region.

Among the workers was 51-year-old domestic worker Josephine Sandoi from Davao who spent almost two decades working in Israel.

Before her repatriation, a missile struck near the shelter where she was staying, injuring several of her co-workers.

Earlier on Thursday night, eight Filipino caregivers also returned via a Philippine Airlines flight PR 0737. One of the workers, Shirley Pita, returned home after 15 years abroad, having worked in Israel for more than two decades.

Both groups completed the 38th batch of repatriated workers from Israel since the Philippine government’s voluntary repatriation program in October 2023.