The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said no overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in France and Italy have sought government assistance for repatriation, as the security situation in both European countries has calmed down.
Both countries were hit by violent mass demonstrations in previous days as their citizens protested the rising cost of living.
Citing their latest monitoring, DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac disclosed Filipinos in the two countries were not adversely affected by the said rallies.
‘So far, no Filipinos have been adversely affected by the incidents that have occurred over the past few days. The situation has since calmed down and is now under the control of local law enforcement,’ he said in Filipino in a media forum last Wednesday.
The DMW chief maintained they are ready to bring home affected Filipinos in France and Italy if tensions in both countries escalate.
‘The President himself ordered monitoring and the possibility of evacuation and repatriation. We will be there to help them and to guide them in coordination with our embassies and the Consulate General’s office,’ Cacdac said.
He noted Filipinos may request repatriation aid by contacting the nearest embassy, consulate, or Migrant Workers Office in their area.
‘We are closely monitoring the situation with our embassy in Paris and our Consulate General’s office in Milan and our embassy in Rome. So, we are engaging the Filipino community in discussions,’ Cacdac said.
‘We’ve opened the lines of communication and helplines for anyone who needs help,’ he added.