24/7 OFW assistance activated at Clark Airport amid Middle East flight disruptions

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Regional Office 3 has activated a 24/7 airport assistance system to support Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) affected by flight disruptions caused by airspace restrictions in the Middle East.

Recent happenings involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have prompted temporary closures and restrictions in the airspace of countries including Iraq, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Israel. 

These developments have led to flight cancellations, rerouting, and schedule adjustments by international carriers, affecting passengers traveling to key Middle East hubs such as Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha.

While Clark International Airport has not suspended flights to the Middle East, DMW said it is closely monitoring operations and coordinating with airlines to provide timely support for affected OFWs.

“DMW-RO3 is fully prepared to assist our migrant workers and ensure their welfare during this period of uncertainty,” DMW Regional Director Marion Sevilla said, highlighting the role of the Migrant Workers Airport Assistance Center (MWAAC) at Clark.

The center provides guidance, airline coordination, and rebooking assistance 24/7, including holidays.

Sevilla mentioned that aside from the 24/7 MWAAC at Clark, provincial offices across Central Luzon are on high alert to assist families and OFWs needing guidance, coordination, or immediate intervention. 

Provincial contact number are as follows: Pampanga – 0961-512-2450; Tarlac – 0927-409-3086 or 0968-545-3277; Bulacan – 0956-199-0328 or 0968-336-1836; Zambales – 0961-419-4088 or 0936-950-7352; Nueva Ecija – 0961-436-8228; Bataan – 0936-950-6180; and Aurora – 0961-385-8812. 

Passengers are advised to regularly check airline advisories, verify flight status before proceeding to the airport, and ensure contact information is up to date for prompt notifications.

For assistance, OFWs and their families may contact DMW Regional Office at pampanga@dmw.gov.ph or (045) 963-4394; processing.ro3@dmw.gov.ph or  0961-512-2450 for the Processing Division; protection.ro3@dmw.gov.ph or  0991-261-7126—Protection Division: dmwro3.wrsd@dmw.gov.ph or 0954-493-8421 – Welfare and Reintegration Division;  and mwaac.clark@dmw.gov.ph or 0919-067-4042 – MWAAC Clark. 

DMW-III reiterated its commitment to safeguard the welfare and protection of migrant workers amid evolving developments abroad.

Meanwhile, the Clark International Airport (CRK) advised affected passengers to coordinate directly with their respective airlines. 

“Those impacted by the recent airspace closure in the Middle East should contact the airline for further assistance and for updates regarding their flight status,” CRK said in a message. 

DMW likewise urged the public to remain calm and monitor verified updates as the situation continues to evolve. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga) 

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