The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) welcomed the first batch of the returning Overseas Filipinos (OFs) from conflict-torn Sudan and immediately provided them with psychosocial intervention as initial assistance upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Saturday, April 29.
On board Qatar Airways Flight No. QR 204, the eight hotel workers in Sudan were identified as Myra R. Castro; Sherly S. Arciga; Arnel N. Nacion; Johnny B. Mariano; Humphrey S. Manipis; Jomel D. Mallari; Marben R. Prila and Vilma B. Loba.
The eight OFs were part of the first batch who escaped the fighting in Sudan after boarding a military evacuation flight launched by the Greek government bound for Athens.
The Philippine Embassy in Athens received them on April 28, and were provided with free plane fare to Manila using the Assistance-To-Nationals Fund.
The DSWD, through its Field Office National Capital Region, with the assistance of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking – Ninoy Aquino International Airport Task Force Against Trafficking (IACAT-NAIATFAT) members immediately, interviewed the repatriated Filipinos and provided them with psychosocial intervention as an initial assistance.
The Department will continue to monitor the situation of the eight OFs, in coordination with the other concerned agencies, to determine other appropriate assistance they will be needing.
The eight OFs are currently staying in a hotel provided by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
As part of the whole-of-government approach, the DSWD will continue to coordinate with concerned national government agencies to assist the remaining OFs who evacuated from Sudan. ###