The Iloilo Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) is monitoring the status of 73 Ilonggos who work in Israel and neighboring countries amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

“As of today, from Israel, we have profiled 66 Ilonggos from 18 local government units (municipalities) and one component city,” PESO manager Cynthia Dario said in an interview on Tuesday, June 24.

According to PESO’s records, 16 of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel are from Zarraga; 12 are from Maasin; five from Cabatuan; four each from Oton and Badiangan; three each from Janiuay, Leganes and Pototan; two each from San Joaquin, Lambunao, Dueñas, Balasan and Passi City; and one each from Concepcion, Batad, Igbaras, Barotac Nuevo, Anilao and Guimbal.

Based on feedback from their kin, six were reported to be unsafe, 38 were safe and the rest were silent as to their status.

“We know that it is already voluntary (repatriation) because it’s Alert Level 3, but so far we have no report of them signifying to go home,” Dario said, adding that they have no information yet if the Ilonggos are in the first batch of repatriates expected to arrive soon.

Dario also said they continue to coordinate with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Outside of Israel, PESO has profiled four Ilonggos in Kuwait, two in Qatar, and one in Iraq. They came from the towns of Miagao, Zarraga, Maasin and Barotac Viejo.

Dario said Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has instructed concerned offices to continuously monitor and coordinate at the grassroots level to know the status of the OFWs.

“He called on the families, kin, relatives and even OFWs affected by the Israel-Iran crisis to remain calm and alert. When outside, they have to contact the migrant welfare office and get registered when they want to be repatriated,” she said.

Meanwhile, PESO released P10,000 each on Monday, June 23, to 19 Ilonggos who have returned home.

Dario said the provision is part of the Financial Assistance for Repatriated OFWs program, which is being implemented by the province since 2021.

The recipients used to work in the Middle East, Hong Kong and Singapore.PNA