DMW tracks Filipinos in Thailand, Cambodia amid clashes

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it continues to monitor the situation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Thailand and Cambodia amid recently reported clashes in parts of the two countries. 

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac in a radio interview on Monday said all 251 Filipinos in seven areas near the border remain accounted for and no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far. 

He added that the Philippine government’s assistance remains in place particularly financial support to help OFWs meet their basic needs, noting that the Thai government is also ensuring the protection of both its nationals and overseas workers

“The Thai government is, of course, on top of the situation in terms of protection of their nationals as well as our OFWs.”

On the Cambodian side, the DMW is also monitoring the situation particularly in northern areas where the clashes were reported. Cacdac noted that there are fewer OFWs in Cambodia compared to Thailand, and affected areas are also far from Phnom Penh. 

“We continue to cooperate with the Cambodian government as well as the Thai government regarding our OFWs there, who are mostly teachers or factory workers, including factory supervisors.”

He added that repatriation of OFWs remains unlikely although preparations remain in place.