Senator Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, expressed concern over the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, both home to thousands of Filipinos.
The clashes began on June 13 when Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iran’s nuclear and missile facilities, prompting Iran to retaliate with drone and missile attacks.
Tulfo immediately contacted key officials and agencies to ensure the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). In a call with Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, he was informed that four Filipinos were hospitalized following Iranian strikes in Rehovot, Israel.
According to data from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), around 31,000 Filipinos live in Israel, 80% of whom are caregivers.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola reported that 365 ballistic missiles have hit Israel so far, and the embassy is currently assisting 56 OFWs — 49 needing relocation and 7 requiring medical attention.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega confirmed that 26 out of 150 Filipinos requesting repatriation will soon depart via Jordan.
In Iran, where about 2,000 Filipinos reside, 14 OFWs working in restaurants have asked to be repatriated. De Vega said the closed Tehran airport and the difficulty of securing buses for a 13-hour trip to Turkmenistan are delaying the process.
Tulfo called for coordinated efforts among the DFA, DMW, and OWWA and stressed the need to locate all Filipinos in both countries, including undocumented workers, to prepare for possible mass repatriation.
Cacdac assured that communication lines with relevant agencies remain open under a one-country approach should large-scale evacuations become necessary.IMT
