DMW Provides Critical Support to Filipinos at Clark Airport Amid Middle East Crisis
The Department of Migrant Workers Regional Office Region III has activated a comprehensive airport assistance system to support Overseas Filipino Workers in Central Luzon, as tensions escalate in the Middle East following recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran. This proactive response aims to mitigate the impact of widespread flight disruptions affecting key travel hubs.
Flight Disruptions and Government Response
The ongoing crisis has led to temporary airspace closures and restrictions across several Middle Eastern nations, including Iraq, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Israel. These developments have forced international carriers to implement numerous flight cancellations, reroutings, and schedule adjustments, significantly disrupting passenger travel to major destinations like Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha.
In response, the DMW III launched the Migrant Workers Airport Assistance Center at Clark International Airport. This facility operates around the clock to monitor airport operations and coordinate directly with airlines to ensure seamless assistance for affected travelers.
Assistance Provided and Contact Information
As of Monday, March 2, 2026, approximately 100 Filipinos have received vital support at the Clark International Airport MWAAC. The assistance includes comprehensive guidance, airline coordination, and rebooking services, available even during holidays to address urgent needs.
DMW Regional Director Marion Sevilla emphasized the agency's preparedness, stating, "DMW Regional Office 3 is fully prepared to assist our migrant workers and ensure their welfare during this period of uncertainty. 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."
Affected individuals can contact provincial DMW offices at the following numbers:
- 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
- Aurora: 0961-385-8812
For additional support, OFWs and their families may reach the DMW Regional Office via email at pampanga@dmw.gov.ph or by phone at (045) 963-4394. Specialized divisions are also available, including the Processing Division at processing.ro3@dmw.gov.ph or 0961-512-2450, the Protection Division at protection.ro3@dmw.gov.ph or 0991-261-7126, the Welfare and Reintegration Division at dmwro3.wrsd@dmw.gov.ph or 0954-493-8421, and the MWAAC Clark at mwaac.clark@dmw.gov.ph or 0919-067-4042.
Airport Advisory and OFW Statistics
Clark International Airport has issued advisories urging passengers to regularly check airline updates, verify flight statuses before heading to the airport, and ensure contact information is current for timely notifications. "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," the CRK stated.
On Monday, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines reported that 45 flights were either cancelled or diverted due to the disruptions. DMW records reveal that over 1.113 million land-based OFWs were in the Middle East as of 2025, with approximately 96.4% located in the United Arab Emirates (397,892), Saudi Arabia (386,699), Qatar (160,890), Kuwait (106,364), and Bahrain (21,129).
Additionally, around 50,000 OFWs have been deployed to other affected countries, including Israel, Iran, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt, Libya, and Syria. The DMW has called for public calm and advised monitoring verified updates as the situation continues to evolve, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding Filipino workers abroad during this challenging period.
