The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), through its Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Tel Aviv, in close coordination with the Philippine Embassy, swiftly provided immediate assistance and support to 14 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who survived an Iranian missile strike on a residential building in Rehovot, approximately 20 kilometers south of Tel Aviv, Israel.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued a direct order to the DMW, emphasizing the critical need to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipino workers affected by the escalating tensions across the Middle East.
“Fortunately, thank God, there were no fatalities. However, four were hospitalized. We were able to assist fourteen individuals, providing them with basic needs and financial assistance. This is a continuing effort to provide all the necessary assistance to our Kababayans as directed by our President,” stated Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.
DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) teams are currently monitoring the medical condition of a critically injured OFW, alongside other OFWs who sustained injuries from the Iranian blast.
Of the 14 OFWs who survived the attack, eight have been safely transferred to a temporary shelter. Five others remain in the care of their respective employers, while one opted to stay with a friend for security.
The DMW-MWO, working hand-in-hand with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, is actively providing essential basic needs, including food, shelter, and medical care, to all affected OFWs. The Department remains on heightened alert, committed to ensuring the safety and security of OFWs on the ground, and stands ready to provide further rescue, evacuation support, and repatriation as needed.
“Rest assured, in line with the primary directive of our President Marcos Jr. to assist OFWs affected by any conflict, most especially this ongoing dispute between Israel and Iran, we will continue to provide aid. Also, in Lebanon, we are monitoring the situation in full coordination with our MWOs and the Philippine Embassies,” Secretary Cacdac concluded.
