01 August 2013 – On 31 July 2013, the Philippine Embassies in Syria and Lebanon successfully implemented the 25th cross-border repatriation of OFWs from Syria, with the assistance and funding support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The Embassy’s Border Team composed of Vice Consul, Ms. Rona Beth Goce, Property Officer and Administrative Assistant Ms. Chloe Silverio, ATN and Legal officer Mr. Junaid Ali, together with two IOM personnel, traveled to the Masna’a border in the morning of 31 July to receive the 44 OFWs from Damascus PE and the Rapid Response Team (RRT).

After securing entry clearance from the Lebanese immigration at the Masna’a border, the Border Team escorted the two buses as they traveled from the border direct to Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut for their 7:50 p.m. Emirates flight to Dubai en route to Manila.

Upon arrival, the Border Team turned over the OFWs to Vice Consul Dennis John Briones and his two Airport Team members, Consular Assistant Mr. Armand Dimaranan and Protocol Officer Mr. Antonio Cruz. Together they assisted the repatriates in completing the security, airline and immigration procedures.

Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz and her spouse Mr. Ricardo Ruiz were also present at the airport to wish the 44 OFWs a safe journey home and a happy reunion with their respective families.

To date, a total of 1,449 OFWs have been repatriated from Syria via Lebanon since the cross-border operation commenced on 12 December 2012. END