By CESAR JOLITO III

A total of 16 Bacolodnon overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who sought assistance from the city government amid ongoing unrest in the Middle East have safely returned home, according to the City Administrator’s Office.

Records showed that among those repatriated, seven came from the United Arab Emirates, four from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, three from Kuwait, and one each from Qatar and Bahrain.

Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city acted promptly after receiving repatriation requests from the affected workers.

He noted that the local government immediately coordinated with the Department of Migrant Workers to facilitate their safe return.

The city had earlier established a help desk to respond to concerns of Bacolodnon OFWs affected by the conflict in the Middle East.

Gasataya added that the number of distress calls received by the help desk has recently declined, although tensions in the region persist.

Meanwhile, the city government is preparing assistance programs for the returning OFWs, particularly for those who are unable to immediately resume work abroad./CJ, WDJ