By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – Over 1,400 Filipinos in the Middle East have requested repatriation as the conflict between Israel, the United States (US) and Iran intensifies, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Tuesday.
In a press briefing in Malacañang, Marcos said the situation remains “very fluid,” with airports closed, airspace restricted and combat operations expanding to more areas, complicating evacuation efforts.
The President reported that 586 Filipinos in Dubai, 297 in Israel, 270 in Abu Dhabi, 231 in Bahrain, 22 in Jordan, and 10 in Iran have requested to be repatriated back to the Philippines.
“Altogether, that’s 1,416 Filipino nationals who have requested repatriation,” he said.
The President said evacuation by air is currently not feasible due to airport closures and no-fly zones.
“The airports are closed. They are all no-fly zones. This is a combat area,” Marcos said, noting concerns over possible misidentification incidents amid ongoing missile and drone strikes.
He said land evacuation is also risky, as large vehicle movements in active combat zones could be mistaken for hostile targets.
“So right now, safety first for our people,” he added.
Marcos said Philippine embassies, labor attachés and defense attachés remain in constant contact with Filipino communities in affected countries, and are coordinating closely with host governments for guidance.
“Shelter-in-place and follow the host government’s advice. Iyon ang magiging pinakamahalagang impormasyon dito,” he said.
In Israel, where attacks remain continuous, Filipinos have been advised to stay near bomb shelters.
The government has coordinated with hotels near shelter facilities to temporarily house Filipino nationals, the President said.
Meanwhile, Marcos reiterated that the Philippines hopes for an end to hostilities.
“We are not a party to any of this. (But) of course we want the fighting to stop,” he said.
The government remains on 24/7 alert, with embassies and foreign posts maintaining hotlines for Filipinos and their families.
Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente Sotto III assured that the government is continuously working to protect affected OFWs and seafarers.
“Ang ating pamahalaan ay tuloy-tuloy sa mga pamamaraan para kayo ay protektahan at kung kinakailangan, ay maiuwi dito sa Pilipinas nang ligtas (Our government continues to take steps to protect you and, if necessary, to bring you home safely to the Philippines),” Sotto said.
He said the Senate is ready to support any necessary government response, including possible evacuation efforts.
“Ang inyong Senado ay naka-antabay sa ano mang pangangailangan para sa paglikas ng ating kababayan mula sa Middle East (Your Senate stands ready for any need involving the evacuation of our countrymen from the Middle East),” he added.
Sotto also urged the public to remain calm, disciplined, and united amid global uncertainty. (With a report from Wilnard Bacelonia/PNA)
