Some OFWs show signs of trauma—DMW

SOME overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing conflict in parts of the Middle East have started showing signs of trauma after experiencing missile and drone attacks, prompting the government to prepare psychosocial assistance and employment support for those returning home.

- By JOVEE MARIE N. DELA CRUZ X @joveemarie

During a joint briefing of the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Overseas Workers Affairs, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said several OFWs who recently arrived in the country recounted distressing experiences from the conflict areas.

Cacdac said that based on their conversations with the returning workers, some appear to be manifesting signs of psychological trauma.

“Last night [Tuesday], when we welcomed some of them at the airport, I noticed that some may actually need counseling. When they narrated their experiences to us, the way they told their stories suggested that they may be manifesting some form of trauma,” Cacdac said.

He noted that the dangers faced by Filipinos in the region are not limited to direct missile or drone attacks but also include falling debris and shrapnel from intercepted rockets.

“The current danger is not just the missile, rocket, and drone attacks themselves but also the debris, shrapnel, and projectiles falling out of the sky,” he explained.

Counseling

TO address the mental health needs of affected workers, Cacdac said psychosocial counseling will be made available through the Department of Health (DOH), social workers stationed in Philippine posts abroad, and locally hired clinics and counselors.

So far, he said the government has already assisted around 4,600 OFWs through various forms of support, including temporary shelter, food, financial assistance, and repatriation.