New batch of 78 OFWs arrive from war-torn Syria



(Updated 8:45 a.m.) Another batch of overseas Filipino workers who availed of the government's repatriation efforts arrived home from strife-torn Syria Thursday morning.

The latest batch of OFWs numbering 78 arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport aboard an Emirates flight before 7 a.m., radio dzBB's Rodil Vega reported.

Many of them were relieved to be home, the report said.

Expected to welcome them were officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the report said.

The report also quoted Labor Department officials as saying they are targeting some 3,000 more Filipinos for repatriation from Syria.

Last week, a new batch of 22 OFWs returned home aboard a Qatar Airways flight.

Earlier, the OWWA said the returning OFWs will be given assistance in getting to their home provinces. Those who could not immediately go home will be allowed to stay at a halfway house.

For its part, the DFA continues to convince OFWs in Syria to avail of repatriation program. — LBG, GMA News

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