The first batch of 32 distressed overseas Filipino workers who were promised assistance by Wowowee host Willie Revillame in Dubai has arrived home.

Reports said five of the 32 OFWs who escaped their abusive employers in Dubai were overjoyed to be back in the Philippines.

Two months ago, Revillame and some officials of ABS-CBN, made a surprise visit to Dubai. It was during that visit when the Wowowee host promised to shoulder the OFWs’ plane ticket back home.

Estela Semilla could not forget Revillame’s visit not because he is a popular television host, but because of what he had given them -- more hope.

“Noong nalaman po namin na papunta siya, laking pasalamat po namin nun. Kasi alam namin na tutulungan kami,” said Semilla.

Mary Elizabeth Viray did not expect her name to be included in the list of OFWs going home. But still, it felt like winning the lottery, she said.

“Hindi ko talaga ini-expect na mapapasama ako sa mga ticket…isa pala ako doon kaya nagpapasalamat ako,” Viray said.

The Philippine Overseas Labor office in Dubai has been taking care of the runaways.

Another OFW, who arrived Monday, was identified as “Sonia.” She said the free plane ticket has given her the opportunity to get her life back on track and forget about the bad experiences she endured in Dubai.

Sonia sought the help of her agency after escaping her abusive employer. However, instead of finding help, a fellow Filipina sold her to different men. She was raped for three days.

“Makakalimutan ko na din po ang nangyari sa akin,” Sonia said.

The remaining 27 OFWs are set to arrive in Manila on Wednesday. Report from Joey Villarama, Bandila