MANILA — Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Erwin Tulfo on Sunday confirmed that contingency measures, including possible repatriation, are ready for Filipinos in the Middle East following a surge in airstrikes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Tulfo said his office is closely coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to ensure that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in affected areas receive immediate assistance if needed.
He urged Filipinos in conflict-hit areas to promptly update Philippine authorities about their situation and to reach out to their respective embassies, which have activated support mechanisms for those requiring help.
According to Tulfo, the DFA is working to secure safe exit points for around 823 Filipinos currently in Iran, as well as for thousands more residing in Israel.
“In times like this, we must remain proactive, vigilant, and fully prepared to respond to the needs of Filipinos overseas who may be at risk,” Tulfo said.
Earlier, the DMW assured the public that no Filipino has so far been reported harmed amid the escalating geopolitical tensions.
The latest developments came after the United States and Israel carried out strikes against Iran on Saturday. Reports from Israel’s public broadcaster indicated that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was among the targets.
Iran responded by launching missile attacks across several Middle Eastern countries hosting American troops, including Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.
Philippine authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as tensions in the region remain high.
