Ninety-four overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound for Riyadh from Manila were diverted to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah over the weekend, a direct consequence of the deadly missile strike that forced King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to suspend operations. The diversion, which occurred after Saturday’s attack killed at least 12 people and injured over 300, has placed these workers under the immediate care of the Philippine government, scrambling to provide essential support amidst the regional instability.
This incident marks the third attack on Riyadh's main aviation hub within a week and the most devastating in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade, underscoring the escalating risks for hundreds of thousands of Filipino migrant workers in the Kingdom. The disruption highlights the Philippine government's complex challenge: safeguarding its citizens abroad while navigating the economic imperative that drives many Filipinos to seek employment in volatile regions. The coordinated assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) illustrates the breadth of the Philippine government's commitment to its diaspora, extending from airport diversions to ongoing medical care for the injured.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed the diversion of the 94 OFWs during a press briefing on Monday, detailing the comprehensive assistance package now being provided. These workers, originally destined for Riyadh, found their plans upended by the sudden closure of the airport. "We are helping them with the rebooking service with their respective airlines," Secretary Cacdac stated, emphasizing the logistical challenges. Beyond flight rebookings, the government is ensuring the basic needs of these diverted passengers are met, providing "assistance in all facets, so food, transport, shelter assistance being provided" until their onward journey to Riyadh can be facilitated.
The complexities of the situation extend beyond those diverted. Another 30 Filipinos already in Riyadh were reported stranded due to the temporary airport closure, finding themselves without immediate means to reach their final destinations or residences. OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan is personally on the ground in Riyadh, overseeing the direct implementation of aid for this group. Of the 30, twenty have been accommodated in government-sponsored hotels under a joint DMW-OWWA program, ensuring they have secure lodgings.
The assistance model demonstrated a multi-pronged approach tailored to individual circumstances. Seven of the stranded OFWs were successfully picked up by relatives residing in Riyadh, leveraging existing community networks. Two seafarers, caught in transit, received accommodation in airline-sponsored hotels, highlighting the cooperation with commercial carriers. An additional OFW was fetched directly by their employer, demonstrating varied support channels available to workers. This flexible response mechanism aims to address the diverse needs of Filipinos caught in unforeseen disruptions.
The impact of the attack also reached Filipinos preparing to depart from home. In Manila, 37 individuals at Ninoy Aquino International Airport saw their flights to Riyadh canceled. The DMW and OWWA swiftly provided transportation and accommodation assistance, enabling these workers to return to their homes while awaiting updated travel schedules. This pre-emptive support aims to minimize inconvenience and financial strain for those affected before they even left the Philippines.
The human cost of Saturday's missile strike is starkly evident in the injuries sustained by four Filipinos. As of Monday, October 12, three of these individuals remain in intensive care units (ICUs) within Riyadh hospitals, with one reported to be in critical condition, battling severe injuries. The fourth injured individual, who suffered minor burns and lumbar issues, has since been discharged. Secretary Cacdac clarified that two of the injured were airport workers, actively on duty during the attack, while the other two were passengers, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence. The DMW has prioritized reaching out to the families of these injured Filipinos, assuring them of a full support system during this challenging period.
To ensure comprehensive care and monitoring for all affected Filipinos, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, and other government offices are working collaboratively under what the government terms the "One Country Team Approach." This integrated strategy aims to streamline communication and resource deployment across various agencies and diplomatic posts, providing a unified front in responding to the crisis and supporting the Filipino community in Saudi Arabia.
Despite the heightened tensions and recent attacks, Secretary Cacdac reiterated that there would be no immediate deployment ban for Filipino workers bound for Saudi Arabia. This decision reflects a delicate balance between worker safety and economic realities. He emphasized that "economic life continues within the Kingdom, and what we're seeing here is that the attacks are targeted." Cacdac further underscored Saudi Arabia's historical commitment to the safety of Filipino workers, stating, "The Kingdom has kept Filipinos safe not just since Feb. 28, but we're talking decades of protection afforded by the Kingdom to Filipino workers in Saudi," referencing the broader Middle East conflict.
However, the DMW has issued crucial advisories to OFWs currently in Saudi Arabia. Filipinos are urged to avoid non-essential travel and to exercise extreme caution, particularly when in public spaces. The advisory specifically warns against congregating in crowded areas at airports and avoiding locations that could be potential targets, such as military installations and oil refineries. OFWs are also strongly advised to regularly check the status of their flights with their respective airlines before proceeding to the airport to prevent further inconvenience or exposure to risk. Furthermore, Secretary Cacdac cautioned Filipinos in Saudi Arabia against disseminating unverified information online, reminding them of the kingdom’s strict laws against spreading fake news.
Saturday's missile strike on King Khalid International Airport was confirmed by Saudi civil aviation officials, who reported the casualties and the suspension of operations. A diplomatic source attributed the attack to Houthi rebels, who subsequently issued a stern warning against the use of Saudi airports and airspace, making exceptions only for the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. This incident was not isolated, representing the third such assault on the airport within a single week, and the deadliest attack of its kind in the kingdom in over a decade. The initial disruptions intensified by Monday, leading to flight cancellations at other major Saudi airports in Jeddah and Dammam, further complicating travel for thousands of individuals, including numerous OFWs across the Kingdom.
The recent attacks on critical infrastructure highlight the persistent regional instability, a conflict that has ebbed and flowed across the Middle East for years. While Saudi authorities work to restore full operations and secure their airspace, the Philippine government's coordinated efforts through DMW, OWWA, and its diplomatic posts continue to evolve, seeking to protect its citizens amidst these unfolding tensions. The commitment to assistance for the injured, the diverted, and the stranded underscores Manila's resolve to stand by its migrant workers, even as the shadow of conflict looms large over their livelihoods.