Over 10,500 OFWs repatriated last week

More than 10,500 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returned to the Philippines last week due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

These repatriations were facilitated through 27 special commercial flights and two chartered flights organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The majority of the returning OFWs, approximately 8,100, came from the Middle East, while others arrived from various countries including Seychelles, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

This recent influx of returnees brings the total number of repatriated Filipinos to 135,290, with 39% being sea-based workers and the remainder land-based.

Additionally, the first group of distressed OFWs from Lebanon, affected by a recent explosion, are expected to arrive on Monday.

Globally, over 21.6 million people have been infected with COVID-19, resulting in more than 769,000 deaths.

Within the OFW community, 9,800 have been infected, with 3,300 currently undergoing treatment, 5,800 having recovered, and 725 succumbing to the virus.

The House of Representatives has proposed increasing the DFA's budget for distressed OFWs as part of a bill granting President Duterte special powers to manage the pandemic.