Philippines – Eight hundred Filipinos deported from Malaysia arrived at the Zamboanga City Port on the night of October 30, 2026. Government workers and humanitarian groups met them at the port with meals and initial support as they set foot back on home soil.
According to a statement from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IX (DSWD FO IX), the returnees docked at around 8:00 p.m. and were received through the agency’s Processing Center for Displaced Persons (PCDP).
Second Batch of Deportees This Year
The group came from three detention facilities in Malaysia: Sandakan, Papar, and Tawau. This is the second batch of deportees received in 2026 since repatriation operations resumed. The first group arrived in January.
Families and Children Among the Returnees
Adult men made up most of the group, but many women and young children were also on board. Here is the breakdown:
- 589 adult males
- 89 adult females
- 64 boys below 12 years old
- 58 girls below 12 years old
That means 122 children under the age of 12 were part of this batch. Their presence shows why a careful, family-centered reception process matters so much.
Many Hands at the Port
PCDP Center Head Fatnohalda Paddih, a Social Welfare Officer IV, led the receiving operation. A wide network of national agencies, local offices, and humanitarian groups supported the effort, including:
- International Organization for Migration (IOM)
- Philippine Red Cross
- Action Against Hunger
- Department of Health (DOH)
- Office of Civil Defense (OCD)
- Philippine Coast Guard
- Philippine Air Force
- Philippine National Police (PNP)
- City Engineer’s Office
- Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR)
- CDRRMO
- City Government of Zamboanga
Their combined work helped make sure the returnees were met in an orderly way and received food soon after landing.
Processing and Assessment at the PCDP
After the welcome at the port, the deportees were brought to the PCDP for further processing. Social workers there will assess each person to identify individual needs. This step helps determine the right interventions and assistance for every returnee, from adults to the youngest children.
Ongoing Support Before Family Reunions
DSWD FO IX said it continues to work closely with its partner agencies. The goal is to keep the reception, assessment, and delivery of support orderly as the returnees prepare to go back to their families and communities.
For the many Filipinos living and working abroad, the scene in Zamboanga is a reminder that a network of agencies stands ready to help kababayan in need. SingaporeOFW.com will share updates as more information becomes available.