Families Reunite as 244 Filipinos Arrive Back in Philippines from Bahrain

MANILA, Apr 3:  A total of 244 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Bahrain arrived in the Philippines on Good Friday as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, according to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

In a social media post, OWWA said the repatriates landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City aboard Gulf Air Flight GF154.

Around 200 OWWA personnel, led by Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, were deployed at the airport to assist with the orderly arrival, processing, and immediate support for the returning workers.

OWWA said government agencies are coordinating to ensure a “smooth, immediate, and humane reception” for the repatriates, including transportation assistance, financial aid, counseling, and other welfare services upon arrival.

In a separate update, the agency added that another group of 344 Filipinos from Abu Dhabi is expected to arrive later in the day at Villamor Air Base as part of ongoing repatriation efforts.

Officials said the returns are part of precautionary measures amid rising instability in the Middle East, where a conflict involving U.S., Israeli, and Iranian-linked forces has entered its sixth week and has begun affecting wider areas of the Gulf region.

Authorities did not indicate how many more repatriation flights may follow but said support operations will continue as needed to assist affected Filipino workers abroad.