Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero is urging the Philippine government to include undocumented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in its repatriation plan amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
On Monday, June 16, Escudero urged Philippine authorities to reach out to all Filipinos—whether documented or not—living in Israel and Iran who wish to return home. The Senate leader called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to lead efforts in locating Filipinos in both nations.
He also urged all concerned agencies to speed up the repatriation plans and reach out to all Filipinos who want to get out.
"It doesn't matter if they are legally staying or undocumented. What is important is that Filipinos who fear for their safety and want to go home are assisted without delay," Escudero said.
"Mahaba na ang karanasan ng ating gobyerno sa ganitong mga sitwasyon. May pondo tayo para sa pagpapauwi ng ating mga kababayan tuwing may gulo sa mga bansang kanilang kinaroroonan. Ang mahalaga ay matukoy agad kung nasaan ang mga kababayan natin at alukin ng biyahe pauwi ang mga may panganib sa kanilang buhay," he added.
Escudero recommended that repatriated Filipinos undergo stress debriefing, especially those who were directly affected by the conflict.
“‘Yan ang panawagan at kahilingan namin. Tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan hindi lamang sa Iran, ‘di lamang sa Israel pero sa mga karatig bansa na maaaring maapektuhan nitong giyera. Tawagin na nating giyera sa pagitan ng Iran at ng Israel, lalo na’t ngayon tigil yata ang regular flights sa bansang Israel,” Escudero explained.
“So sana, tiyakin nila ang kaligtasan at mag schedule ng repatriation flights sa sinumang Pilipino ang nanais na makauwi muna. Hindi lamang para sa kanilang kaligtasan, pero dahil na rin nga baka wala naman yung trabaho nila doon sa bansang Israel dahil sa giyerang nagaganap ngayon sa pagitan ng Israel at ng Iran,” he added.
For Filipinos who wish to remain in the Philippines, the legislator recommended that they be provided guidance on their career options, considering the situation has disrupted their employment.
Earlier today, Iranian missiles struck Israel’s Tel Aviv, destroying several establishments and wounding around 30 people. World leaders from the G7 nations are set to conduct a meeting about the two nations, expressing fear that it may lead to a broader regional conflict.
According to the DFA, there are 2,000 Filipinos living in Iran, some of whom are married to locals.
