President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippine government has begun repatriating overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who wish to leave the Middle East as authorities continue to monitor the impact of the ongoing regional conflict.

In a video message posted on his official Facebook page, Marcos said government agencies are closely coordinating to ensure the safety of Filipinos in the region.

“Para naman po sa ating mga kababayan na kasalukuyang nasa mga bansa sa Gitnang Silangan, ang Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Migrant Workers at Overseas Workers Welfare Administration ay patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan sa inyo upang mag-monitor sa inyong mga kalagayan,” the President said.

He confirmed that evacuation efforts have already started for Filipinos who have requested repatriation.

“Nagsimula na po ang paglikas ng mga Pilipino na nais magpa-repatriate. At sa oras na ligtas na ang pagbiyahe, maililikas na natin lahat,” Marcos added.

Authorities earlier said thousands of Filipinos are currently working in various Middle Eastern countries, many of them in sectors such as construction, domestic work, and healthcare. The government have been coordinating contingency plans to ensure their safety should the conflict escalate further.

Marcos also acknowledged that the Philippines is among the countries affected by the broader impact of the conflict, particularly disruptions in global oil supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

“Hindi natin kontrolado ang digmaan pero kontrolado natin kung paano natin poprotektahan ang Pilipino,” the President said, assuring the public that the government remains prepared to respond to developments in the region.