The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Wednesday it stands ready to respond to the crisis in Lebanon as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac also assured the public of the current contingency measure that could be implemented should the situation worsen.

“We continue to monitor the situation, there are crisis plans that are in place and ready to be implemented should the situation worsen. But for now, the call is for our workers to come home,” Cacdac said during the Malacañang Insider program.

“It’s Alert Level 3 imposed by the DFA in Lebanon which means it’s second to the highest, there is an absolute ban on deployment of workers there and also voluntary repatriation. That’s why, hence the announcement of the ambassador over the weekend,” he said.

The Philippines has also prepared a shelter as the country carries out in-country evacuation strategy prior to eventual repatriation of its citizens.

“So, we stand ready as directed by the President. Not just there, but even here – we will receive them in a whole-of-government team designated by the President to do so,” Cacdac said.

The DMW chief also reported that a group of 15 Filipinos arrived over the weekend, and another group of 45 who are currently going through immigration process in Lebanon is set to arrive possibly later this week.

Around a thousand had applied, but only 45 Filipinos said they are ready to go home, Cacdac said.

He noted over the weekend that the Philippine ambassador to Beirut issued an advisory asking Filipinos to go home.

Since October last year, President Marcos has already directed DMW to open up the lines of communication as well as the agency’s repatriation services, he said.

Cacdac added DMW has been delivering free repatriation services and onsite monitoring for the protection of OFWs in Lebanon. He noted that there are around 356 returnees.

Hezbollah in Lebanon has been engaged in conflict with the Israeli defense forces and recent reports say that the situation is tense and could possibly worsen.

OFWs in Lebanon who want to return to the Philippines may contact (+63) 21348. The local DMW-OWWA hotline is 1348. | PND