26 July 2013 – The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon assisted in the successful cross-border repatriation of 30 OFWs from Syria to Lebanon on 24 July 2013 and facilitated the departure of this batch for Manila via the Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport in the early morning of 25 July 2013. The repatriation of the 30 OFWs from Syria was undertaken in close coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Damascus.

This group of repatriates is the 24th batch to be repatriated from Syria via Lebanon since 12 December 2012 and brings the total of OFWs repatriated from Syria via Lebanon to 1,405 OFWs. The Embassy’s Vice Consul, Mr. Dennis John C. Briones, and Labor Attaché Bulyok Nilong were on hand at the Masnaa border in the afternoon of 24 July 2013 to receive the 30 OFWs as they were turned over by the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Damascus, Syria, including the personnel from the Rapid Response Team (RRT).

From the Masna’a border, the repatriates were brought first to the Philippine Embassy in Beirut where they were warmly welcomed by Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz and briefed by shelter team leader Welfare Officer Imelda Gatinao. While at the Embassy, the repatriates were served dinner and then rested for a few hours in preparation for their flight to Manila.

In the early morning of 25 July 2013 at the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Vice Consul Rona Beth Goce and Information Officer Edwin Batallones assisted the 30 OFWs as they completed security, airline and immigration procedures up to the time they boarded their flight to Manila.

The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon also maintains its close coordination with Lebanese immigration authorities to ensure a smooth and fast cross-border repatriation of OFWs from Syria. During this particular repatriation, a Caritas Lebanon Migrant Centre (CLMC) social worker once again provided the Embassy with medical and translation assistance at the Masna’a border. END