Families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based in Lebanon, led by Migrante International, held a picket-dialogue at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Pasay City on October 10. They called on the agency to present a comprehensive plan in addressing the urgent appeal to rescue and assist Filipino migrants affected by the US-Israel aggression in Lebanon.

The group denounced DFA for saying that Filipino workers in Lebanon “assert to stay” despite the ongoing Israeli attacks. “Israeli bombs and troops are already too close to our OFWs in Lebanon. Will the DFA wait for US-Israel to kill Filipinos before they bring our compatriots home?” asked Josie Pingkihan, deputy general secretary of Migrante International.

The group also received reports from migrants that the Philippine Embassy and Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Beirut lack personnel and resources to assist Filipinos in the country. Filipinos in Lebanon also receive no timely updates from the embassy regarding the ongoing attacks.

OFWs’ relatives expressed their fear of the Israeli bombing in Lebanon. They narrated the experiences of OFWs receiving leaflets dropped by Israeli planes warning them of impending bombing in the communities where they work.

Women’s leader and Makabayan Coalition senatorial candidate Liza Maza said that the DFA’s policy of prioritizing OFWs with papers is unacceptable. Most OFWs do not carry their papers because these are being held by their employers.

US-Israel forces began intensified attacks on Lebanon in recent weeks. They bombed southern Beirut and other areas on September 23-24, targeting residential buildings and civilian communities. They also bombed vehicles rescuing wounded civilians. On October 1, Israel sent ground troops to invade and occupy Lebanon.

At least 11,000 Filipinos work in Lebanon as migrant workers.

The Bayan Muna Party-list expressed solidarity with the migrants’ struggle. Former Congressman Ferdie Gaite also expressed the need for a long-term solution to the job shortage in the Philippines to prevent Filipinos from taking risks in other countries.