74 OFWs set to return from Israel this week

Seventy-four Filipino workers from Israel are scheduled to return home this week as part of the government's ongoing repatriation program.

Eight more distressed workers arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Thursday evening, bringing the total number of arrivals since June 23 to thirty-eight, and they were served meals and given free medical checkups upon arrival.

Twelve more workers will depart Tel Aviv on July 4, followed by twenty-five on July 6; all previous arrivals have received financial assistance equivalent to USD200 from the DMW, as well as hygiene kits and food packs.

Over 373 OFWs have expressed interest in returning home since June 23, with thirty-four already repatriated so far, including a first batch of workers from Israel, Jordan, Palestine, and Qatar who arrived on June 24-26.

The Department of Health has conducted an online counseling session for Filipinos in Israel following tensions between Iran and Israel which started a conflict but later agreed to a ceasefire on June 24; the Philippines downgraded its alert level in both countries to Level 2 or voluntary repatriation.