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A cancer patient and a stroke survivor were among a group of Filipinos in Bahrain who were repatriated to their home country amid ongoing regional tensions.
Dulce Lloroso, 48, a breast cancer patient from San Fernando, Masbate, and Alberto Sumpay Jr, 52, a florist and stroke survivor from Talisay, Iloilo, were part of the fifth batch of returnees.
The group consisted of 153 individuals, including 107 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and 46 dependents. Of the total, 122 were adults and 32 were children.
They arrived yesterday at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 aboard Gulf Air Flight 154, which departed from Bahrain and transited through Dammam.
Ms Lloroso, who worked in Bahrain for 15 years as a salon receptionist, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. She underwent eight chemotherapy sessions and surgery in July 2025 and required continuous medical care prior to her repatriation.
“I did not hesitate to make the decision; at last, I will be able to go home,” she said, looking forward to reuniting with her 18-year-old daughter. “I hope I am still given a long life,” she added, expressing her wish for strength and recovery in the years ahead.
Mr Sumpay Jr, who spent 25 years working abroad, survived two strokes and remains on medication.
“My return was initially delayed due to procedural issues affecting travel clearance,” he said. “I am extremely happy to finally return home to reunite with my family. Once I recover, I plan to open my own business,” he added.
Both expressed their gratitude to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) for assisting with their medical needs and facilitating the arrangements necessary for Mr Sumpay Jr’s travel.
Also included in the repatriation were three household workers – Josielyn Milla, Gladys Lapasanda, and Marissa Peliro – who had been staying at the Philippine Embassy ward.
The fifth batch forms part of an ongoing repatriation programme aimed at prioritising the safety and welfare of OFWs and their families, particularly those facing serious health challenges.
The initiative is being co-ordinated by key government agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers, Migrant Workers Office and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
Ahead of their departure, an orientation session was held on April 11 for OFWs and their dependents to ensure a seamless and well-organised travel experience. Philippine Ambassador Gines Gallaga attended the session alongside embassy officials.
OFWs on the bus
Participants were briefed on flight procedures, documentation requirements, and health and safety protocols, as well as transit arrangements in Dammam. They were also informed about the support services available upon arrival in the Philippines, including medical assistance, transportation, temporary accommodation, tickets for provincial returnees, and reintegration programmes.
OFWs leaving the kingdom with their luggage
In addition to providing free airline tickets, the MWO extended financial assistance of $200 to each OFW prior to departure. Each returnee was also granted a 40-kg baggage allowance, distributed across two bags, which were transported to Dammam with the assistance of Gulf Air personnel and volunteers from various organisations.
The previous batch comprised 244 OFWs and their dependents, who arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Manila on April 3, aboard Gulf Air Flight 0154.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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