The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Saturday said at least 571 Filipinos in Lebanon have requested repatriation amid escalating violence.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said 221 Filipinos are prepared to leave, while 350 remain in processing with Lebanese immigration.
“About 20 will return this weekend. The process began last night, two arrived yesterday, and two more flights are scheduled,” Cacdac said.
He mentioned that 178 Filipinos are sheltered in four temporary facilities established by the Philippine government in Beirut, each staffed with medical personnel.
These shelters are precautionary measures responding to worsening security conditions, Cacdac said.
The ongoing violence affects the majority of the 11,000 Filipinos in Lebanon, primarily domestic workers in Beirut. Rising tensions stemmed from the Israel-Hamas conflict, prompting evacuations of several foreign nationals.
Cacdac said no Filipino was hurt in two air raids conducted by the Israeli army in Beirut on Oct. 10.
The strike was described as the deadliest so far in the fight between Israel and Hezbollah, hitting densely populated areas that resulted in 22 fatalities and 117 injuries.
“This is by God’s grace and we hope that it will stay that way,” Cacdac said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Over 500 Pinoys ready for repatriation from Lebanon as violence intensifies.”
