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Philippines Safeguards 34,000 OFWs Amid Middle East Crisis

3/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Central Visayas, Philippines, is monitoring 34,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid escalating Middle East tensions.
As of March 2, OWWA activated contingency protocols and tracks OFWs, with Gaza, Syria, and Yemen at Alert Level 4 mandating repatriation.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directs agencies to safeguard OFWs, including medical support and communications, while returning workers receive temporary accommodation and job placement.

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Story summary

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Central Visayas, Philippines, is monitoring 34,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid escalating Middle East tensions.
As of March 2, OWWA activated contingency protocols and tracks OFWs, with Gaza, Syria, and Yemen at Alert Level 4 mandating repatriation.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directs agencies to safeguard OFWs, including medical support and communications, while returning workers receive temporary accommodation and job placement.