ZAMBOANGA CITY — A total of 616 Returning Filipinos from Sabah (ReFS) safely arrived in Zamboanga City on October 25, 2025, marking another successful repatriation effort of Filipinos from Malaysia.
The returnees disembarked from M/V Antonia 1 at the Zamboanga Seaport around 1:30 a.m., following their departure from Sandakan, Malaysia. The disembarkation process, which began at about 5:00 a.m., was carried out under strict port and immigration protocols.
Upon arrival, the Department of Migrant Workers – Regional Office IX (DMW IX), in coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration – Regional Welfare Office IX (OWWA IX) and other partner agencies, immediately provided relief assistance consisting of hot meals and bottled water.
The Bureau of Immigration conducted profiling and documentation at the port to verify the identities and travel histories of all returnees. Among those repatriated were families, children, and individuals with medical conditions, who received priority attention and medical support.
After the initial processing, the ReFS were transported to the Processing Center for Displaced Persons (PCDP) in Mampang, Zamboanga City, managed by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). There, the returnees underwent further profiling and assessment to determine their immediate needs and the appropriate interventions from MSSD and its partner agencies.
According to Leeshabel C. Adil, head of the MSSD Zamboanga Satellite Office, the profiling aims to ensure that “the immediate needs of every individual are accurately identified and swiftly endorsed to the proper agencies for suitable assistance and reintegration support.”
MSSD also facilitated transportation services to guarantee the safe and organized return of the ReFS to their respective hometowns across the region.
Both the DMW IX and OWWA IX reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the welfare and dignity of Filipino migrant workers and their families. The agencies emphasized that the ongoing repatriation and relief efforts underscore the government’s resolve to provide timely humanitarian aid and reintegration support to displaced Filipinos returning from abroad.
This latest batch of returning Filipinos adds to the continuing efforts of the Philippine government to assist citizens affected by immigration and employment challenges in Sabah, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in times of displacement.