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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP says it is prepared to help in repatriation efforts amid Israel-Iran conflict

AFP says it is prepared to help in repatriation efforts amid Israel-Iran conflict

Published Jun 23, 2025 01:18 pm
AFP General Headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City (File photo: Martin A. Sadongdong / MANILA BULLETIN)
AFP General Headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City (File photo: Martin A. Sadongdong / MANILA BULLETIN)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declared its readiness to assist in the repatriation of overseas Filipinos caught in the worsening conflict between Israel and Iran.
AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said the military can provide rescue personnel and assets to ensure the safe return of Filipinos in the affected areas back to the country.
“Should the need arise, the AFP stands ready to assist as directed,” she said.
Padilla emphasized that the AFP, under the leadership of Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., will swiftly mobilize personnel and resources for repatriation efforts as soon as President Marcos Jr. issues the directive.
“We will be guided by the decisions and policies of higher civilian authorities in all actions related to this evolving situation,” she noted.
Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Colonel Ma Consuelo Castillo said they would also coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) once the go signal for the military’s intervention is approved.
“Our focus is on a whole‑of‑nation approach, working closely with DFA, DMW, and military units to ensure no Filipino is left behind amid the current crisis,” she said.
The AFP has previous experience in repatriating distressed overseas Filipinos during conflicts and emergencies.
In January 2020, the Philippine Navy dispatched BRP Davao del Sur (LD602) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) to fetch overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were trapped amid a conflict between the United States and Iran following the killing of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in a US strike.
In June of the same year, the AFP had also repatriated hundreds of overseas Filipinos who wished to return home due to the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Iraq, India, and Sri Lanka.
The recent conflict between Israel and Iran escalated after Jerusalem attacked Tehran's nuclear sites last week. The United States also bombed Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, further complicating the tension in the region.
Iran vowed to retaliate against Israel and US' attacks.

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