The Iloilo City Government is closely monitoring 551 Ilonggo overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) stationed in high-risk “red zone” areas across the Middle East, as geopolitical tensions in the region continue to threaten the safety of migrant workers.
Gabriel Felix Umadhay, head of the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO), reported that the figures are based on partial records as of March 4 and include residents officially recognized by their barangays and previously profiled by PESO before departure.
The breakdown of OFWs by country is as follows:
- Saudi Arabia: 192
- United Arab Emirates: 159
- Kuwait: 65
- Bahrain: 62
- Qatar: 38
- Israel: 19
- Oman: 11
- Jerusalem: 4
- Lebanon: 1
Umadhay clarified that only 106 OFWs have been fully profiled and confirmed to be safe, while 441 cases remain under verification.
Four workers have already expressed their intention to return home after losing their jobs due to the escalating tensions.
“Monitoring efforts are concentrated on those in red or war zones, especially areas vulnerable to missile attacks. Our priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of our OFWs,” Umadhay said.
The PESO chief assured families that the city government continues to coordinate with affected workers and their relatives to consolidate data and provide timely assistance if needed.
Families and OFWs seeking updates or support can contact PESO Iloilo City through its official Facebook page.
This proactive monitoring highlights the local government’s commitment to safeguarding its overseas workforce amid unstable conditions abroad.IMT
