Tawi-Tawi, BARMM — A total of 291 Returning Filipinos from Sabah (ReFS) safely arrived in Tawi-Tawi this week through a coordinated repatriation effort led by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), with support from local government units and security personnel.
On September 16, 2025, 201 ReFS disembarked at the port of Bongao, where they were welcomed by MSSD field workers. The team immediately conducted profiling and counseling sessions to help trace their families and relatives. Food packs were also distributed as part of the initial assistance.
Two days later, on September 18, 2025, another batch of 90 repatriates arrived in Bongao after being processed in Zamboanga City. Upon their arrival, the MSSD Bongao Field Unit I carried out family tracing and municipal referral to ensure their safe reintegration. Food aid was again distributed to the returnees.
However, the repatriation was marred by a tragedy when a 62-year-old male repatriate passed away aboard the vessel en route to Tawi-Tawi. The MSSD, in coordination with the local government, extended support to the bereaved family by assisting with funeral arrangements and providing welfare goods and burial assistance.
The 90 returnees had first landed in Zamboanga City on September 12, 2025, where they were temporarily accommodated at the Processing Center for Displaced Persons (PCDP). During their four-day stay, they were provided with food and other essential services by the MSSD Zamboanga Satellite Office before being transported to Tawi-Tawi.
According to Lebia Salih Amlih, Municipal Social Welfare Officer of MSSD Bongao Field Unit I, the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return and reintegration of Filipinos from Sabah. Leeshabel C. Adil, head of the MSSD Zamboanga Satellite Office, added that the returnees were given free meals and transportation during the process.
The MSSD, in partnership with uniformed personnel and local government units, continues to coordinate to guarantee that all returnees are safely reunited with their families and communities across Tawi-Tawi.