34 OFWs from Syria arrive home

A new batch of overseas Filipino workers arrived home from Syria Saturday afternoon, ending their nightmare in the strife-torn country.

The 34 OFWs arrived aboard an Emirates EK-332 flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, radio dzBB reported early Sunday.

Most of the OFWs planned to take trips to their home provinces but some are to stay temporarily at a facility of the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration, the report said.

On hand to meet the OFWs, who availed of the government's repatriation efforts, were representatives of the OWWA and labor officials.

Last Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the 34 had safely crossed the Syrian-Lebanese border Friday and took a flight for Manila via Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

With the group's arrival, the DFA said the total number of repatriates from Syria had reached 4,212.

The DFA also reiterated its appeal to Filipinos still in Syria to seek immediate repatriation.

For assistance, they may call the Embassy at 963-11-6132626, +963-96-8955057, +963-93-4957926, +963-99-2264145, +963-96-8953340, or +963-95-8903893.

Kin of Filipinos in Syria may also provide the DFA with latest information regarding their kin’s present location and contact details in Syria.

Those who wish to do so may call the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) at (02) 834-3240 or 834-4583 or the DFA’s 24-hour Action Center at (02) 834-3333. — LBG, GMA News

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