MANILA, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The first batch of 299 Filipinos repatriated from Dubai amid heightened tensions in the Middle East arrived in Manila early Thursday morning, Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez said.

Gomez said the passengers include a mix of repatriated Filipinos and other affected travelers seeking to return home.

Philippine officials earlier assured the public that contingency measures remain in place to assist nationals abroad should conditions further escalate, adding that coordination with relevant government agencies and airline partners remains ongoing.

Over 2 million Filipinos live and work across the Middle East. ■