Philippine diplomats assured the public Sunday that contingency measures are in place to protect overseas Filipinos as the Iran-Israel conflict escalates, now involving direct military action by the United States.
In a virtual briefing, Ambassador to Jordan Wilfredo Santos and Deputy Chief of Mission Anthony Achilles Mandap from the Philippine Embassy in Israel confirmed that the government is closely monitoring the unfolding crisis in the Middle East. They said the safety and welfare of Filipino citizens remain a top priority.
Santos emphasized that although Jordan has not been directly attacked, it remains vulnerable due to its geographic proximity to Israel. Missile debris from Iranian strikes has reportedly landed in some areas of Jordan, but no Filipino casualties have been reported.
The country remains under Alert Level 1, and authorities are constantly evaluating if adjustments to the alert status are needed. Embassy teams continue to coordinate with local governments while updating their contingency protocols.
Contingency routes and repatriation plans under review
Mandap explained that Jordan is the current primary transit hub for Filipino repatriates from Israel. However, alternate evacuation routes through Egypt or the Mediterranean are under consideration. He said the situation is fluid, and options may change depending on the conflict’s trajectory and regional security conditions.
Mandap noted that Israeli airspace is now closed, suspending commercial flights and complicating evacuation logistics. As a result, sea routes are being explored for potential evacuations.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) are monitoring conditions in Iran. Officials said eight Filipinos—seven workers and one tourist—are scheduled for repatriation from Iran.
Government monitors Filipino seafarers docked in Iran
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that there are about 30 Filipino workers and more than 1,100 Filipino nationals, mostly family members of locals, residing in Iran. He said at least two Filipino seafarers have sought help while docked in Iranian ports.
The DMW is actively coordinating with licensed manning agencies to ensure the safety of these seafarers. For security reasons, further details about the ships and the workers’ locations have been withheld.
Filipinos in affected regions are advised to contact embassy hotlines for assistance or information. The Philippine Embassy in Tehran can be reached via its Assistance to Nationals (ATN) hotline at +989122136801 or through email at [email protected]. Social media channels are also open for communication.
The DMW-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) hotline at 1348 remains available for families seeking updates about their loved ones.
Santos said the government is not only reacting to the crisis but actively anticipating scenarios to better protect overseas Filipino communities. He added that the goal is to respond quickly and decisively to secure the safety of all Filipinos in conflict zones.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.