88 Saudi OFW remains arrive Sunday; second batch of 71 follows

The remains of 88 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who died in Saudi Arabia will arrive in Manila on Sunday.

Of these, 45 died from COVID-19 and 43 from other causes; they are being transported on two Philippine Airlines flights.

Earlier this month, the remains of seven Filipinos were flown back to various areas in Visayas and Mindanao by the Philippine Air Force.

Saudi Arabia had set a July 4 deadline for repatriation but delays in issuing documentation caused the Philippines to miss it.

The second batch of 71 OFW remains is expected to arrive on Sunday, with 40 dying from COVID-19; OWWA chief Hans Leo Cacdac will lead proceedings honoring them and assisting their families.

Close to 2,000 OFWs who contracted the virus have received financial assistance.

Over 60 more OFW remains are scheduled for repatriation this weekend, reducing the number of bodies needing return from 274 to 159.