President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate, safe, and orderly repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the affected areas in the Middle East under the government's voluntary repatriation program, following escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
Marcos confirmed that the Philippine government has raised Alert Level 3 in both Israel and Iran, prompting urgent action to ensure the safety of Filipinos caught in the crossfire.
"We have raised alert level 3 in Iran and Israel. I have directed all concerned government agencies to take the necessary steps to ensure the safe, timely, and orderly return of our Filipino workers who wish to avail of the voluntary repatriation program," Marcos said.
He assured that the government is fully mobilized and ready to provide comprehensive assistance to affected Filipinos.
Government response
Marcos further said that over 200 repatriation requests in Israel have been received by the government, and are now in process.
He added that Filipinos have been provided with food packs, financial aid, and temporary shelter at the Migrant Workers’ Office hostel.
“We continue to monitor our OFW caregiver, who remains in hospital, stable but still on oxygen support and a ventilator,” Marcos said.
“We are in touch with her family and are making sure she gets the care that she needs,” he added.
The president stated that Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac, currently in Amman, Jordan, to welcome the first batch of 26 repatriates from Israel at the King Hussein Crossing in Jordan.
In Iran, the Philippine Embassy is finalizing preparations for the initial repatriation of eight Filipinos in the coming days.
Comprehensive support on OFWs
Upon the arrival of OFWs, Marcos assured that they will be given immediate support and assistance from the government, including P150,000 in immediate cash aid, temporary accommodation and transportation, livelihood support.
He also added that for those who decide to stay in the Philippines for good, the government will provide skills training, job-matching services and startup capital and business support.
Marcos urged Filipinos in Israel and Iran to remain in close contact with the Philippine embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran.
“Your government continues to act and is ready to protect your safety and well-being. Nothing is more important than the safety of every Filipino,” he said.
