Manila, April 9 -- Around 15,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have sought government assistance to return home as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

In a news release on Wednesday evening, the DMW assured that OFWs remain a priority, particularly those in distress or are vulnerable, with those who have completed their repatriation requirements being closely monitored and assisted.

"A large number of these requests involve workers who are already classified as repatriation-ready, meaning they have completed the necessary requirements and are awaiting arrangements for their return to the Philippines," it said.

However, the department clarified that "not all requests indicat...