By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), expressed “grave concern” over heightened tensions in the Middle East following Israel’s unprecedented direct attack on Iran.
Israel launched the sweeping air strikes on Friday, targeting nuclear sites and killing the Iranian military’s top brass, in an attack Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said can last for “many days.”
“With the welfare of the people of the Middle East and the Filipinos there in mind, the Philippines urges concerned countries to deescalate and follow the path of peace,” Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said in a statement on Friday.
The Philippine Embassies in the region, meanwhile, stand ready to assist Filipinos in their jurisdictions, she said.
“So far, the DFA has not received reports of any Filipino hurt, injured or otherwise affected as a result of the operations,” she added.
Following the attack, the Philippine Embassies in Iran, Israel, and Iraq issued new advisories reminding Filipinos to avoid public places and remain alert at all times.
Based on the latest DFA data, there are 30,742 Filipinos in Israel, 1,598 in Iraq, and at least 1,180 in Iran, most of whom are married to Iranian nationals.
Israel has declared a state of emergency as it braces for Iranian retaliation.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier promised to carry out “harsh punishment” for the attack, stating that Israel has “sealed for itself a bitter and painful destiny and will definitely see that [destiny] brought upon it.”
Prior to the strikes, Iran warned it would “boldly target” United States military bases within its reach should a conflict be “imposed” on Tehran.
The United States, which has military presence across the Middle East, including a base in Iraq, had distanced itself from Israel’s move, and warned Iran not to target US interests or personnel.
The US was supposed to convene another round of nuclear talks with Iran in Oman on June 15. (PNA)
