Expedite repatriation of OFWs in Gaza – Go

SEN. Christopher «Bong» Go urged the government to expedite the repatriation of Filipinos in Gaza.

The senator raised the importance of swift and decisive action from concerned government agencies in ensuring the safety of over 100 remaining Filipinos in Gaza.

«Their safety is non-negotiable,» Go said in a statement on Monday. «Filipinos wherever they are in the world, especially OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) who are considered modern-day heroes, must be given utmost attention and care especially in their time of need.»

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is considering elevating the alert level in northern Israel by next week if the situation continues to worsen.

It «would signal increased danger» for Filipinos in the region and further necessitate government action, Go said.

«We must act with urgency to bring our kababayan (countrymen) to safety. The government must mobilize all its resources to assist our OFWs in these perilous times,» the senator said.

Go appealed to the Department of Migrant Workers, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and the DFA to prioritize the accounting, protection, and repatriation of OFWs from the conflict zones.

The senator also emphasized the importance of reintegration programs for repatriated OFWs. «Bringing them home is just the beginning. We need to ensure that they are supported in rebuilding their lives, with opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship back home,» he said.

Go was one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act 11641, which led to the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

«The DMW Act was designed to protect our OFWs. Now, more than ever, it's time to put this law into action to protect our kababayan,» he said.

He also filed Senate Bill (SB) 2414 or the proposed «OFW Ward Act.» If passed into law, every hospital under the Department of Health nationwide will have a specialized ward for OFWs and their family members who require hospitalization.