Manila: The Philippine government on Tuesday facilitated the safe return of another batch of 99 Filipinos from Kuwait, as part of ongoing efforts to assist overseas workers affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In a social media post, the Department of Migrant Workers said the latest batch brings the total number of Filipinos repatriated from Kuwait to 198, including 22 dependents. The repatriates arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport around noontime aboard Gulf Air Flight 154, with many expressing relief after their safe return.

According to Philippines News Agency, among the returnees was overseas Filipino worker Peppard Mangubat, who had been working at a US military base in Kuwait. Mangubat expressed appreciation for the services and assistance provided by the government, acknowledging the support extended to them. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan expressed joy at seeing the Filipinos back home safely and promised continued government support.

Caunan emphasized the collaborative efforts of the Department of Migrant Workers and OWWA, along with the embassy in Kuwait, in repatriating Filipinos during times of conflict, as instructed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. She assured that the government has already assisted many and will continue to extend help to more individuals. Upon their arrival, the repatriated overseas Filipino workers received initial financial assistance, medical aid, temporary shelter, and transportation support for their return to their home provinces.

The Department of Migrant Workers stated that additional reintegration assistance from government agencies under the National Reintegration Network will also be provided. As part of the government's reintegration program, a returning overseas Filipino worker displaced by the Middle East crisis will receive PHP20,000 as startup or additional capital for a small business or livelihood project.