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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romualdez urges DFA, DMW to ensure Pinoys' safety amid escalating Israel-Iran attacks

Romualdez urges DFA, DMW to ensure Pinoys' safety amid escalating Israel-Iran attacks

Published Jun 16, 2025 12:25 pm

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday, June 16, called on the Philippine government to ensure the utmost protection of Filipinos in the Middle East.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)
House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)
​House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday, June 16, called on the Philippine government to ensure the utmost protection of Filipinos in the Middle East.
This, as he urged the world not to let another full-blown crisis erupt from the continued exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran.
Romualdez says frontline government agencies are expected to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety and security of Filipinos. He reiterated that no Filipino should be left behind in a time of crisis.
He cited possible repatriation plans if the situation worsens.
He said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) must intensify coordination efforts with host governments and international partners, especially in Lebanon, Israel, Jordan and the Gulf states, where large Filipino communities reside.
We are watching these developments with grave concern. Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., our foremost priority is the protection of our overseas Filipino workers who may be caught in the crossfire of this dangerous standoff, Romualdez added in a statement.
Romualdez says the Philippines is supporting diplomatic solutions to armed conflict, and it is calling on all parties involved to take a step back and allow diplomacy to do its work.
This is a time for dialogue, not destruction. Any further escalation will only deepen human suffering and destabilize an already fragile region, he said.
“This conflict is unfolding in a region that has known too much war and too little peace. The world must not allow another full-blown crisis to erupt,” he added.
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