98,977 Pinoy sea-based OFWs repatriated

Over 350k OFWs repatriated amid COVID-19 pandemic — DFA
MA. ANGELICA GARCIA January 28, 2021 https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/news/773678/over-350k-ofws-r...

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said more than 350,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have so far been repatriated amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

During the meeting of the House Committee on Overseas Workers affairs, DFA assistant secretary Enrico Fos said a total of 352,999 OFWs have been repatriated from at least 90 countries and 150 cruise ships as of January 26.

Of the number, 254,022 were land-based OFWs, while 98,977 were sea-based OFWs.

As of Wednesday, the DFA said a total of 13,897 Filipinos abroad have been infected with COVID-19, of which 8,864 of whom have recovered, while 945 have died.

Meanwhile, a total of 4,088 patients are still undergoing treatment.

Further, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said as of January 27, a total of 5,236 OFWs received financial assistance from the agency, while 124,014 OFWs received food and medical assistance.

DOLE also said a total of 462,013 OFWs were provided assistance amounting to P4.688 billion.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Hans Leo Cacdac earlier said around 80,000 OFWs might return to the Philippines in the first half of 2021. — RSJ, GMA News