As tensions flare across the Middle East following airstrikes and missile attacks, senators are calling for swift, coordinated government action to safeguard millions of Filipinos in the region.
There are more than 2.2 million Filipinos living and working across the Middle East, including over 1,100 in Iran who could be directly affected by the escalating conflict.
Senator Francis Escudero urged government agencies to intensify coordinated protection measures, stressing that the sheer number of Filipinos in the region requires an urgent and anticipatory response.
He acknowledged the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to activate contingency plans and account for Filipinos in affected areas.
Saudi Arabia hosts more than 865,000 Filipinos, the UAE nearly 650,000, with significant communities in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman that could be impacted by any regional spillover.
But Escudero warned that advisories alone will not suffice.
“Such a mechanism is not alarmist but a necessary safeguard, especially for our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in high-risk areas like Israel and Iran, where mobility may be restricted and communication lines may be disrupted.”
The lawmaker proposed activating a coordinated Middle East Crisis Command Center to consolidate real-time monitoring, map safe corridors, and pre-position evacuation assets in friendly ports or airports.
He also stressed the need to assist Filipino travelers who may be stranded in airports due to flight cancellations, ensuring they receive guidance, temporary support, and clear repatriation options.
“I am prepared to work closely with our foreign and migrant-worker agencies to ensure that every Filipino in the region is accounted for, protected, and supported.”
Meanwhile, Sherwin Gatchalian called on the DMW to begin preparing for the repatriation of OFWs in Iran, Israel, and other Middle East countries.
As chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Gatchalian noted that the AKSYON Fund was increased by P800 million, from P1.2 billion to P2 billion, to support emergency assistance and repatriation efforts.
“Our priority is the safety of our OFWs. The government must be ready to repatriate those affected,” according to him.
He also urged the Land Transportation Regulatory and Franchising Board (LTFRB) to prepare for the efficient rollout of the Pantawid-Pasada program, with P2.497 billion available for disbursement amid expected oil price hikes.
For his part, Senator Erwin Tulfo, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Panel, demanded a recovery plan for Filipinos who were about to leave for jobs in the Middle East but were stalled due to the escalating conflict.
He called on the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to address the plight of these workers, many of whom have already spent money to secure overseas employment.
“Most of these Filipinos come from the provinces. They have already spent money on requirements in the hope of securing decent opportunities in the Middle East,” said Tulfo..
Reports cited first-time OFWs from the provinces describing the inconvenience and uncertainty caused by the airstrikes. Some said there has been no clear notice from government agencies or deployment plans from recruitment firms.
Tulfo proposed utilizing the AKSYON Fund to provide relief, not only financially but also for mental health support.
“We should exhaust all the remedies available for them not only on the financial aspect, but also for their mental health,” he said.IMT
