President Bongbong Marcos said the Philippine government is arranging charter flights to bring home overseas Filipino workers from the Middle East as regional tensions continue to affect travel and safety conditions.
Marcos made the announcement during a press briefing in New York, where he discussed the government’s efforts to assist Filipinos who want to return to the Philippines. He said authorities have been coordinating closely with airlines and government agencies to organize flights and open safe travel routes for affected workers.
“We have made many arrangements. We are arranging charter flights kasi medyo lumuwag na ang sitwasyon,” Marcos said.
The President said several flights have already helped bring Filipinos home. He cited Emirates flights operating between Dubai and Manila that transported returning passengers from the Middle East.
“Yung lumipad na Emirates coming out of Dubai, nakatatlong flight na yata tayo. Dubai-Manila ‘yun, mga Dubai-Manila. So, that’s direct and ‘yun, naisakay natin ‘yung mga ibang Pilipino,” he said.
Government planners are preparing additional charter flights as part of the repatriation effort. One planned flight from Riyadh will carry Filipinos working in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Another flight is being arranged from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates to bring home workers from Dubai.
Authorities are also reviewing possible land routes that Filipinos can use to exit affected areas. Marcos said border crossings from the United Arab Emirates and Israel are among the options being examined for workers who may need alternative routes to leave the region.
Government personnel are expected to assist in the operation of the flights and ensure the safe transport of returning workers. A Philippine government official is also traveling to Dubai to monitor conditions and coordinate repatriation efforts on the ground as authorities continue preparing measures to help Filipinos return home safely.
