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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Tulfo urges vigilance, repatriation plans amid escalating Israel-Iran Conflict

Tulfo urges vigilance, repatriation plans amid escalating Israel-Iran Conflict

Published Jun 19, 2025 02:45 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Raffy Tulfo called for urgent government coordination and preparedness for possible mass repatriation of Filipinos in Israel and Iran amid escalating missile attacks between the two countries, stressing the need to locate all nationals, including undocumented workers.
Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed alarm over the escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, which are home to thousands of Filipinos.
Senator Raffy Tulfo (Senate PRIB photo)
Senator Raffy Tulfo (Senate PRIB photo)
The conflict, which erupted on June 13, began when Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iran targeting its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. In response, Iran launched a wave of retaliatory drone and missile attacks on Israel.
Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, upon learning of the situation, immediately contacted key agencies and officials to monitor developments and ensure the safety of Filipinos in the affected areas.
In a phone call with Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Tulfo was informed that the city of Rehovot in Israel was among the hardest hit by Iranian missile attacks, with four Filipinos reportedly hospitalized.
Citing data from the DMW and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Tulfo noted that around 31,000 Filipinos reside and work in Israel, 80 percent of whom are employed as caregivers.
Tulfo also reached out to Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola for updates. Mendiola reported that Israel has sustained 365 ballistic missile strikes from Iran as of June 17. She added that the Philippine Embassy in Israel is currently providing assistance to 56 OFWs, comprising 49 relocation cases and 7 medical cases.
DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo de Vega confirmed to Tulfo that the first batch of 26 Filipinos, out of 150 who have expressed the desire to return home from Israel, are scheduled to travel via Jordan and may arrive in the Philippines this weekend.
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to Iran Robert Manalo informed Tulfo that of the estimated 2,000 Filipinos residing in Iran, 14 OFWs working in restaurants have signified their intention to return to the Philippines. However, De Vega noted that repatriation efforts are complicated due to logistical hurdles, including the closure of Tehran’s airport. The 14 OFWs may need to be transported via a 13-hour land journey to neighboring Turkmenistan.
Tulfo emphasized the need for strong inter-agency cooperation during these challenging times, as well as “the need for DFA, DMW, and OWWA to prepare for a possible mass repatriation in case attacks between the two countries continue to worsen.
Mahalagang matukoy ng ating gobyerno ang lokasyon ng lahat ng mga Pilipinong nasa Iran at Israel, pati na rin ang mga undocumented workers, at masigurong agad silang marerepatriate kung kakailanganin (It is important for our government to identify the location of all Filipinos in Iran and Israel, including undocumented workers, and ensure that they can be repatriated immediately if necessary), Tulfo added.
In response, Cacdac assured the senator that the DMW has already initiated coordination with relevant agencies under the one-country team approach to prepare for any potential mass repatriation from affected areas.

Related Tags

Israel Iran Raffy Tulfo Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
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