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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos orders swift aid for Filipinos amid Israel-Iran conflict

Marcos orders swift aid for Filipinos amid Israel-Iran conflict

Published Jun 16, 2025 01:33 pm

At A Glance

  • Castro said government agencies are already in "crisis mode" and on "heightened alert" to ensure the safety and well-being of OFWs in the region.
President Marcos has directed concerned agencies to act swiftly in assisting Filipinos affected by the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, Malacañang said Monday, June 16.
A Filipino is hospitalized after sustaining injuries from Iran's retaliatory airstrikes on Israel. (Photo from the Philippine Embassy in Israel)
A Filipino is hospitalized after sustaining injuries from Iran's retaliatory airstrikes on Israel. (Photo from the Philippine Embassy in Israel)
In a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President’s order to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is to send urgent aid to Filipinos in the said countries.
“Ang direktiba ng Pangulo sa DFA, DMW, at OWWA ay mabilisang tulong sa ating mga kababayan (The President’s directive to the DFA, DMW, and OWWA is for immediate assistance to our countrymen),” she said.
“No one is left behind— yun ang tagubilin ng Pangulo (that is President Marcos’ instruction),” she added.
Castro said government agencies are already in “crisis mode” and on “heightened alert” to ensure the safety and well-being of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the region.
She added that contingency plans are in place in case repatriation becomes necessary, although the government has not yet reached that point.
“Hindi pa po dumarating sa ganoong punto. Pero ready po ang ating mga ahensya kung kinakailangan po ng repatriation (We have not yet reached that point. But our agencies are ready should repatriation be needed),” Castro said.
DFA teams deployed to Israel
The DFA has already deployed a team to Israel to assess the situation and ensure the condition of affected Filipinos. Four Filipinos were recently injured in Israel amid the heightened tensions.
“Dalawa na po sa kanila ang nailabas at dalawa naman po ay nananatili sa pagamutan at ipinagdarasal natin na mabilis nilang paggaling (Two of them have been discharged while two remain in the hospital, and we pray for their speedy recovery),” Castro said.
She noted that the DFA also has contingency plans in place for Filipinos in Iran, where tensions could escalate depending on developments in the region.
24/7 help desks activated
To provide timely information and assistance, the government has activated multiple help desks.
The DMW and OWWA help desk can be reached by dialing 1348 within the Philippines or +6321348 for those calling from abroad.
“Nag-set po ng 24/7 Middle East helpdesk for the OWWAs para po mas mabilis ang pagtugon sa kanilang mga pangangailangan (A 24/7 Middle East helpdesk has been set up by OWWA for faster response to the needs of OFWs),” Castro said.
The renewed and escalating tensions in the Middle East erupted after Israel launched an attack on Iran with strikes that set off explosions in Tehran. Israel said it targeted Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructures. Iran responded with missiles that hit multiple Israeli cities, resulting in civilian and infrastructure casualties.

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Claire Castro President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Israel-Iran attacks
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