President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reassured the public on Sunday that all Filipinos in the Middle East are accounted for and safe following recent military exchanges in the region involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
In a video message released Sunday morning, the President confirmed that Philippine embassies and labor offices have been on heightened alert since Saturday afternoon. Based on the latest situation reports, there have been no reported Filipino casualties or injuries.
The Philippine government is actively coordinating with regional missions to ensure the protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Key actions include:
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Relocation to Safety: Filipinos in high-risk areas have been moved to designated bomb shelters and safe locations.
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Strategic Distancing: Authorities have advised Filipinos to stay away from military installations and foreign bases to minimize exposure to potential targets.
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Constant Monitoring: Government agencies are providing real-time updates as the geopolitical situation evolves. “I want to report to our countrymen that as of 9:00 AM Sunday, we have received no reports of Filipino casualties. No Filipino has died, and no Filipino has been hurt,” President Marcos stated.
President Marcos emphasized that the administration has been monitoring the Middle East conflict since its inception. Philippine embassies in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Oman remain under strict instructions to prioritize the welfare of the Filipino community.
“Our monitoring is continuous because this situation is not yet over,” the President added. “We are doing everything to ensure that our countrymen in the Middle East remain in good condition.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) continue to maintain open communication lines with Filipino communities and their families in the Philippines to alleviate concerns.
