MANILA, Philippines — Senator Joel Villanueva strongly condemned the reported Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Four Filipinos were reportedly injured. Three of them needed intensive care. Villanueva voiced deep concern over the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Villanueva extended his sympathies to the victims and their families. He hopes the injured Filipinos recover swiftly. He stressed that the safety and welfare of Filipinos working abroad must remain a government priority. This is especially true amid escalating geopolitical tensions and security threats.
Support for OFWs in crisis
“Our OFWs should never have to face danger alone while working abroad. In times of crisis, they must know that their government is ready to protect and assist them. They need the support urgently,” Villanueva emphasized.
The senator also commended the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). He praised their prompt response and continued monitoring of the situation.
However, Villanueva stressed that incidents like these show an urgent need. The country must strengthen its emergency response and assistance mechanisms. These cover Filipinos caught in armed conflicts, security emergencies, and other dangerous situations overseas.
Funding for emergency assistance
Under the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), the DMW and OWWA are set to receive a combined ₱11 billion. Villanueva called for adequate provision and effective use of emergency assistance funds. He named the AKSYON Fund and Emergency Response Funds in particular. Distressed OFWs should then receive immediate and uninterrupted assistance.
He emphasized that the government must respond swiftly to emergencies. Geopolitical realities keep evolving. Financial and logistical resources must therefore be ready when the lives and safety of Filipinos abroad are at stake.
For Villanueva, protecting OFWs goes beyond recognizing their contributions to the economy. It requires a responsive, well-funded, and reliable support system. That system should provide timely help when Filipino workers face danger far from home.
