By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – Nine overseas Filipinos have safely returned to the Philippines after a successful evacuation out of Iran, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday.
This is the first batch of Filipino nationals repatriated from the country since the United States and Israel mounted a joint military operation against Tehran on February 28.
The group was evacuated between March 10 to 11 through joint efforts of the Philippine Embassies in Iran and Türkiye, which facilitated the group’s land crossing and onward flight back to the Philippines amid the ongoing security situation in the region.
“The DFA, through its Foreign Service Posts and offices, reaffirms its commitment to implementing the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to assist Filipinos overseas and ensure their safe return home,” the agency said.
In a presentation at a House hearing, DFA Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Ezzedin Tago said the agency has so far received 327 repatriation requests from the Middle East as of March 10, nine of which came from Iran.
To date, there is an estimated 800 Filipinos currently residing in Iran, most of whom are spouses of Iranian nationals. (PNA)
