Manila:The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced that emergency funds will remain sufficient until the end of the year for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by recent Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia and ongoing protests in France and Italy.

According to Philippines News Agency, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated at a media forum that the PHP3-billion supplemental budget, announced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in July, is currently being utilized to support Filipinos facing travel disruptions in Saudi Arabia. This support includes airfare, accommodation, and financial assistance for those affected.

The DMW, in collaboration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), has been providing plane tickets and accommodations for OFWs with disrupted travel plans from Riyadh to Manila. This assistance is extended to passengers whose flights were diverted to Jeddah and those who traveled from the provinces to Manila only to find their Riyadh flights canceled due to recent attacks on King Khalid International Airport.

Meanwhile, the DMW is also monitoring the situation in France and Italy, where protests have erupted due to high living costs, low wages, and rising fuel prices. Cacdac assured that Philippine diplomatic posts are in touch with Filipino communities and are prepared to offer assistance through hotlines. The DMW is working closely with the Philippine Embassy in Paris, the Embassy in Rome, and the Consulate General in Milan to ensure the safety of Filipinos.

Cacdac noted that, so far, no Filipinos have been adversely affected by these incidents, and the situation appears to be under control by local law enforcement. However, the DMW remains vigilant and ready to respond, with President Marcos having ordered ongoing monitoring and preparations for possible evacuation or repatriation if necessary.