Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1233528805077296%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>MANILA — A total of 299 Filipinos affected by the escalating tensions in the Middle East safely returned home on Thursday, the Department of Migrant Workers said. </p><p>The DMW said the group included some individuals who were “returning to the Philippines for their safety and security as advised by their employers,” while others were “OFWs who finished their contract, and some are returning home for good and personal reasons.” </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/3/marco-middle-east-war-ofws-repatriation-1044">Marcos tells Filipinos seeking repatriation from Mideast war: ‘We will find ways to get you out’</a></div><p>The group arrived at the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City from Dubai via Emirates Airlines Flight 336, the agency said.  </p><p>“We are thankful that you are all safe. Also, we are much thankful sa Emirates, sa UAE government sa pag-aalaga sa inyo, sa pag-prepare ng flight to Manila as we provide support,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, who welcomed the returnees at the airport. </p><p>The DMW said the returnees received financial assistance, accommodation and transport services, medical assistance, and psychosocial support. </p><p>Aviation analytics company Cirium said that of the more than 36,000 flights scheduled to fly to or from the Middle East, more than 20,000 had been cancelled since Saturday.</p><p>As airlines resumed limited flights out of hubs including Dubai and Riyadh, governments also chartered planes to bring home citizens affected by the turmoil, which stranded tens of thousands of travelers worldwide. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/4/airspace-closures-complicate-plans-to-bring-ofws-home-from-middle-east-1732">Airspace closures complicate plans to bring OFWs home from Middle East</a></div><p>But as of Wednesday, Cirium data indicated that air traffic was virtually completely grounded in Qatar and Bahrain. In Israel, nearly three-quarters of flights were cancelled and just over two-thirds in the UAE.</p><p>According to the latest data from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), the number of Filipinos officially requesting repatriation has surged to 1,979.</p><p>The breakdown of requests spans the entire region:</p><ul><li>Kuwait: 633</li><li>Bahrain: 312</li><li>Abu Dhabi: 285</li><li>Dubai: 231</li><li>Qatar: 173</li><li>Saudi Arabia: 90</li><li>Israel: 61</li><li>Lebanon: 26</li><li>Jordan: 10</li></ul><p>OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan said that while certain operational details should remain confidential for the safety of the workers, the government&#x27;s machinery was running around the clock.</p><p>&quot;We want to assure everyone nagsisimula palang po yung trabaho. Our people on the ground are working 24/7 dito sa Pilipinas at sa mga posts po natin hindi lang po sa Middle East, pati din sa mga posts na may mga affected airports, meaning meron tayong mga kababayan na stranded ngayon,&quot; Caunan said.</p><p>The government continues to urge Filipinos in affected areas or their families in the Philippines to reach out via the OWWA Hotline for immediate assistance and repatriation scheduling.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/2/list-emergency-hotlines-for-filipinos-in-middle-east-1145">LIST: Emergency hotlines for Filipinos in Middle East</a></div><div><strong>— With a report from Agence France-Presse </strong></div><div><iframe width="725" height="408" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s4vhqjSsvMA" title="Over two million OFWs affected by conflict in the Middle East | ANC" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><iframe width="725" height="408" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mRS4sl8SwCI" title="Daan-daang missiles at drones ng Iran na-intercept ng Kuwaiti army | TV Patrol" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>A total of 299 Filipinos affected by the escalating tensions in the Middle East safely returned home on Thursday, the Department of Migrant Workers said.</p>

A total of 299 Filipinos affected by the escalating tensions in the Middle East safely returned home on Thursday, the Department of Migrant Workers said.

DMW: 299 Filipinos affected by Middle East conflict return home

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Nation

DMW: 299 Filipinos affected by Middle East conflict return home

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 05, 2026 08:44 AM PHT

|

Updated Mar 05, 2026 10:18 AM PHT

Read More:

DMW

Israel

war

US

Trump

Iran

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.