PH expects 2,000 repatriates by weekend, 7,300 seafarers marked safe

Authorities expect a total of 2,000 successful government-sponsored repatriates by the end of the week, they mentioned during a press briefing on Tuesday, March 17.

“We’re expecting by the end of the week, or start of next week, Sunday… at around 2,000 govt-sponsored repatriation, and that’s around the number of requests for repatriation that we have confirmed,” Patricia Yvonne Cunanan, Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) Administrator, confirmed.

They’re also expecting six commercial flights to arrive in the Philippines today, carrying around 75 Filipinos.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac also shared that 7,255 workers have already been given basic and other forms of assistance since their operations started in late February.

Furthermore, the DMW and OWWA also shared that they have monitored 7,300 seafarers in and around the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman – all of whom were marked safe. They are also now allowed the right to refuse sailing.

As for the missing seafarer in the Strait of Hormuz, Cacdac said, “We’re looking into the matter. Ganon na lang muna. We’re looking into the national sea-based rules on the matter.”

Read more about the how repatriation works, and what awaits repatriates when they arrive in the Philippines: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/overseas-filipinos/things-to-know-government-assistance-repatriation-ofws-middle-east/ @here

LOOK: Marcos welcomes Bhutan Prime Minister to Malacañang

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan visited Malacañang Palace on March 19, the first leaders engagement between the Philippines and Bhutan since diplomatic relations were established in 2025.

In a post on social media, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says of the meeting: "A good step forward as we begin building stronger ties in trade, tourism, vocational education, and technical cooperation between our peoples. We are off to a promising start."

Iran will not be rebuilt nor will they get nukes

AFP chief: PH-Japan partnership essential to regional peace and prosperity

Military chief General Romeo Brawner, Jr speaks before a forum to commemorate 70 years of Japan-PH normalization of diplomatic ties. 

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner, Jr: “Amid rising tensions in other regions of the world, we must remain steadfast in pursuing peace, stability... through our partnership, we show that security can be strengthened without escalation, disputes managed without coercion, and trust built through openness and accountability.” 

Updates on the repatriation of overseas Filipinos in the Middle East

The Department of Foreign Affairs has received around 1,200 repatriation requests from overseas Filipinos in various countries in the Middle East as of 2 pm on Wednesday, March 24.

Consisting of non-working Filipinos, 613 have been repatriated and/or assisted, while 586 requests are still pending. Most requests came from Dubai and Doha, Qatar.

See photo for the full list:

Update on OFWs in the Middle East: Gov’t to ramp up charter flights

The government aims to increase the number of chartered flights from one to two per week to accommodate overseas Filipinos who requested repatriation from the Middle East, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a presidential address on Wednesday, March 25.

“We will continue to do this until the war ends or until we have repatriated all of our nationals back home to the Philippines,” Marcos said.

Since the war conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran began on February 28, the government has successfully operated four chartered flights.

As of March 25, around 2,000 overseas Filipino workers have been repatriated, and 16,000 have received aid in the form of food, shelter, medical care, transportation, and financial support.

Out of more than a thousand requests as of March 24, 649 are still awaiting repatriation. @here

LOOK: The Silang in Sydney 

The Philippines’ BRP Diego Silang opens its doors to members of the Filipino community as part of its activities while in Sydney, Australia. According to the Navy, the Silang and her crew organized a guided ship tour, which included areas like the gundeck, crew’s mess, and hangar. 

The Silang is the Navy’s newest and most modern guided-missile frigate. The South Korea-made Philippine warship is part of the month-long Exercise Kakadu in Australia.   

According to Australia’s defense ministry, the Silang is the first Philippine Navy ship to enter Sydney harbour. 

Photos courtesy of the Philippine Navy 

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro on Thursday, April 2, says she was in a phone call with her Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which they "reached a positive understanding" regarding the safety of Filipino seafarers and the security of the country's energy supply. Photo from Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro/X

Iba’t-ibang serbisyo ang inaalok ng gobyerno para sa repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) galing sa Middle East habang patuloy ang giyera ng United States at Israel laban sa Iran.

Nakakuha ka na ba o ang kakilala mong OFW ng mga serbisyong ito? May nais ka bang tulong mula sa gobyerno? Share niyo na 'yan @here

Maraming salamat sa impormasyon @Orin . Ok lang ba sa iyo kung gamitin namin itong sagot mo sa isang instaquote o article kung sakali? Para mas maraming makakaalam sa sitwasyon diyan.

@Pia Ranada - Rappler Sorry, Pia. Dine-lete ko yung message ko rito. Naalala kong may batas nga pala rito tungkol sa online posts. :/

Pwede mo akong i-DM para maipaliwanag ko.

PH "welcomes with cautious optimism" US-Iran talks @here

In a statement released late April 8, the Department of Foreign Affairs says it hopes "negotiations will lead to the permanent end of the conflict and lasting peace," as the US and Iran begin negotiating peace, as facilitated by Pakistan.

"The conflict has caused significant loss of lives and damage to civilian and economic infrastructure, as well as disruptions in the global economy," says the DFA.

"The Philippines continues to hope that all parties will resolve their differences through earnest dialogue and diplomacy," it added

Marcos: Core of PH-Vatican ties a “shared commitment to peace, human dignity, and social justice”

“We walk together in championing dialogue over division, reconciliation over conflict, and service over self-interest. These values continue to anchor our partnership, extending beyond history into practical, transformative action, making our relationship not just a formality, but a living testament to a shared faith and purpose,” said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the celebration of Philippine-Holy See diplpomatic ties. 

Marcos added: “In a world that has become increasingly volatile, uncertain, and complex, the Philippines cannot face today’s challenges alone. We rely on steadfast partners—like the Holy See— who share our commitment to building more just, humane, and inclusive communities.” 

PH says ‘gravely concerned’ over conflict escalation in Lebanon 

The Philippines on Thursday, April 9, called on the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and for “all parties to fully abide by international humanitarian law” after Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential areas in Beirut, Lebanon on April 8. Lebanon’s Civil Defense said at least 254 people died and 1,1165 were injured as a result of the Israeli attack, according to Al Jazeera. 

“The Philippines expresses grave concern over the escalation of conflict and the worsening humanitarian situation in Lebanon,” said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). 

“We call for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and urge all parties to fully abide by international humanitarian law, most notably the protection of civilians and UN personnel, including humanitarian, health and media workers. We also call upon all parties to the conflict in Lebanon to end hostilities and allow for diplomatic efforts at resolving the conflict in the wider region to proceed,” it added. 

There are around 14,000 Filipinos living and working in Lebanon as of December 2025, according to the Philippine embassy in Beirut. 

LOOK: NBI, NSC, Philippine Navy to hold press conference on "developments" in Ayungin Shoal, a flashpoint for tensions between Beijing and Manila in the West Philippine Sea

We'll be streaming the presser LIVE on Rappler. @here

NEWS UPDATE: NSC spokesperson ADG Cornelio Valencia Jr. says "yellow bottles seized from the sampans [that were deployed close to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal] contain cyanide, a highly toxic chemical known to cause several damage to human and maritime systems." These sampans or small wooden boats were deployed from Chinese Maritime Militia vessels close to Ayungin Shoal. CMMVs, in the past, have been used to reinforce China Coast Guard and Chinese Navy operations in the West Philippine Sea. @here

ASEAN ministers urge United States, Iran: Continue negotiations, aim for lasting peace 

In a statement on April 13 — nearly a week after a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran was first announced — ASEAN foreign ministers said it welcomed the pause in hostilities. The bloc’s foreign ministers “call for the restoration of the safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage ofvessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz in line with the 1982 UNCLOS, as well asfor all parties to ensure the safety of seafarers and ships in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.” 

ASEAN officials also urged both the US and Iran to uphold the terms of the ceasefire. 

But much has happened, on the day the joint statement and an online meeting between foreign ministers was convened alone. The Untied States has said it would blockade maritime traffick entering Iranian ports and coastal areas after talks apparently faltered. Iran has seized control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint in the global oil industry. Before war erupted in the Gulf, up to 20% of the world’s oil shipments passed throught the strait, most of it intended for Asia.  

Balikatan 2026 will involve over 17,000 troops from the Philippines, US, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand. Exercises are planned across the country – covering most of the military's joint commands. | via Bea Cupin/Rappler @here

Key events that are open to local and visiting accredited media include multinational maritime events and integrated air and missile defense, and counter landing fire exercises, and maritime strike drills under the Northern Luzon Command. Western Command in Palawan will also be hosting counter landing fire exercises.

PRESS RELEASE 17 APRIL 2026
WCH RETURNS TO QATAR FOR ITS THIRD PEACE SUMMIT ON 19 APRIL 2026
Doha, Qatar : Following the collapse of the initial Pakistan-hosted talks between the United States and Iran, and amid rising tensions marked by a U.S. naval blockade affecting vessels to and from Iranian ports, We Care for Humanity (WCH) emphasizes that the true cost of conflict is borne by ordinary people, their lives, families, and futures. War is not only about politics or borders. It brings displacement, job loss, fear, and uncertainty. Its effects go beyond conflict zones, causing rising prices, economic instability, and pressure on vulnerable communities worldwide.
In support to the Islamabad talks, WCH has finally announced the date for convening its 3rd Emergency Peace Summit now slated for 19 April 2026. Jointly hosted from the United States and Qatar, the summit will gather over 50 humanitarian leaders from at least 19 countries, beginning at 2:30 PM GMT. WCH underscores that this conflict is deeply unfortunate and could have been avoided with greater restraint and clearer judgment. The resulting loss of life, destruction of communities, and harm to civilians highlight the urgent need for accountability and a stronger commitment to peaceful solutions.
“The cost of war is always carried by ordinary people,” said Maha Putri Mariam Leonor Torres Mastura, Founding President of We Care for Humanity. “Peace is not just a political decision; it is a responsibility to protect human life and dignity.”
The economic consequences are also significant. Migrant workers, including Filipinos in Qatar and across the region, face growing uncertainty as global instability affects employment and remittances, impacting families who rely on their support.
“In Qatar, we see how patience, stability, and responsible leadership help protect communities during global uncertainty,” said Dr. Joseph Timothy Rivera, Country Director for Qatar of We Care for Humanity. “But even strong communities feel the impact when global crises affect jobs, income, and family security.” Qatar’s steady diplomatic approach and commitment to stability continue to provide a safe and supportive environment for residents, including expatriates who play a vital role in the country’s development.
We Care for Humanity (WCH) is a nonprofit organization recognized as a 501(c)(3) entity since 2011, with headquarters in California, Illinois, and Nevada, and active branches in more than 20 countries including Qatar. The organization is globally respected for advancing humanitarian initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
Through its programs, partnerships, and advocacy, WCH contributes to global efforts that uphold human dignity and sustainable development. During major crises, including the breakout of the Gaza conflict in 2023 and the 2025 tensions between the United States and Iran, WCH convened and supported emergency peace summits co-hosted from Qatar and humanitarian discussions aimed at de-escalation and the protection of civilian lives.
Peace is not just a political outcome, it is a humanitarian necessity. It ensures safety, stability, and dignity for all, especially the most vulnerable, including migrant communities. WCH calls on global leaders to prioritize dialogue, reduce suffering, and work together toward solutions that protect lives and restore hope.