Twenty-five overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returned to the country on Tuesday after being evacuated from Israel and Lebanon due to ongoing regional conflict, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Wednesday.

Reports said that the group, which arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 via a commercial flight, included 14 caregivers from Israel and 11 household service workers from Lebanon.

The repatriation was a joint effort between the DMW, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine embassies and migrant worker offices in both countries.

Officials said the operation followed a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the safety of Filipinos in the Middle East.

Among the returnees was Vivian Casimero, who had worked as a caregiver in Israel for 22 years.

She told officials she plans to remain in the Philippines and open a water refilling station in her home province of Pangasinan.

“Perhaps it is time for me to stay in the Philippines,” Casimero said.

Each repatriated worker received initial support from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, including financial assistance, temporary lodging and transportation to their home provinces.

DMW Assistant Secretary Francis Ron de Guzman encouraged the returnees to utilize government reintegration services, which include livelihood assistance and employment facilitation programs.