Migrante International, Samahan ng mga DH sa Gitnang Silangan (Sandigan, or Association of Domestic Helpers in the Middle East), International Seafarers Action Center (ISAC), and Concerned Seafarers of the Philippines (CSF) protested in Mendiola on March 17 to demand the immediate and safe repatriation of Filipino migrants currently trapped in the Middle Eastern war. The crisis stems from the relentless bombings by imperialist US and Israel against Iran and across the region. The protest also marked the 31st anniversary of the execution of Flor Contemplacion in 1995.

The groups also demanded an end to the US-Israel war of aggression against Iran; services, aid, and protection for overseas Filipino workers; livelihood and living wages; and the removal of VAT and excise taxes on goods.

After the Mendiola protest, the group Sandigan trooped to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to demand justice for Divina Yap, a migrant worker who has been missing for two years in Saudi Arabia. Yap’s sister Cristine Suarez said she has repeatedly gone back and forth to the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration but their officials have yet to give any clear response.

Progressive groups led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan–Hong Kong and Macau also protested at the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong on March 18.

Currently, 299 migrants returned from the Middle East on March 5, 317 on March 19, and 343 on March 23. More continue to express their desire to return to the country.