299 FILIPINOS AFFECTED BY MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT RETURN HOME SAFE

A TOTAL of 299 Filipinos affected by escalating tensions in the Middle East on Thursday arrived safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

It was the first major batch of repatriates to return home since regional conflicts intensified.

Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, Malacañang confirmed that the first flight carrying repatriated Filipinos — Emirates EK336from Dubai (DXB) to Manila (MNL) —arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 at 6:45 a.m. Thursday.

Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez said the passenger manifest included a mix of repatriated Filipinos and other affected travelers seeking to return home.

Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac led government officials in welcoming the 299 repatriates, including infants and children, upon their arrival.

Gomez said the flight departed at 9:55 p.m. Philippine time and brought home Filipinos, including overseas workers, tourists, and other travelers who were temporarily stranded as the security situation in the region evolved.

Philippine officials earlier assured the public that contingency measures remain in place to assist nationals abroad should conditions further escalate, adding that coordination with relevant government agencies and airline partners remains ongoing.