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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Escudero: DFA, DMW should reach out to all Filipinos seeking repatriation due to Israel-Iran conflict

Escudero: DFA, DMW should reach out to all Filipinos seeking repatriation due to Israel-Iran conflict

Published Jun 16, 2025 02:49 pm

At A Glance

  • Once repatriated, the Senate leader said the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) should immediately subject the Filipinos, particularly those who were directly affected by the conflict, to stress debriefing.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday, June 16 urged Philippine authorities to expedite efforts to reach out to all Filipinos seeking repatriation due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Whether they are documented or not, the Senate leader said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) should lead efforts in locating Filipinos in these warring nations and prepare for their repatriation. 
“The DFA and DMW should go the extra mile in locating and reaching out to Filipinos in Israel and Iran to determine who wants to get out of the two countries now,” Escudero said. 
“It doesn’t matter if they are legally staying or undocumented. What is important is that Filipinos who fear for their safety and want to go home are assisted without delay,” the senator added.
The Senate chief pointed out there are already contingency plans of government agencies that have been in place to deal with incidents such as natural disasters or armed conflicts in areas where a significant number of Filipinos are present.
Moreover, the Philippine government already has long experience in these situations, Escudero insisted. 
“We have funds for the repatriation of our compatriots whenever there is trouble in the countries they are in,” the senator said. 
“What is important is to immediately determine where our compatriots are and offer a ride home to those whose lives are in danger,” he further said. 
Once repatriated, the DMW should immediately subject the Filipinos, particularly those who were directly affected by the conflict, to stress debriefing.
Those who wish to stay in the Philippines should be provided with guidance on their career options, which Escudero said is critical considering the disruption of their employment in the affected countries.
“It is imperative that repatriated Filipinos who wish to remain in the country are provided with the opportunities and the tools needed to start fresh,” Escudero said.
Last week, Israel carried out attacks on the nuclear and military assets of Iran—actions the former claim  were intended to prevent the latter from building an atomic weapon. Iran, however, responded by launching missiles and air strikes against Israel.
According to the DFA, there are around 1,180 Filipinos in Iran, 30,742 in Israel and 1,598 in Iraq. 

Related Tags

DMW DFA Chiz Escudero Israel-Iran attacks
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