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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson fears unprecedented US' attack on Iran nuclear facilities may trigger world war

Lacson fears unprecedented US' attack on Iran nuclear facilities may trigger world war

Published Jun 23, 2025 11:17 am

At A Glance

  • Senators call on government to intensify evacuation, contingency plans for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East.
Israeli air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Israeli air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Senators on Monday, June 23 called on the government to intensify its preparation for evacuation efforts for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East following the unprecedented attack of the United States on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson expressed fears the US’ bombing attack on Iran could trigger world war.
US President Trump’s unprecedentedly dangerous move to 'obliterate' Iran’s highly fortified nuclear facilities, if not as factual as he had described it could trigger a world war on a scale nobody has ever witnessed or read about, Lacson said on X.
The senator-elect noted there are two (2) million Filipinos deployed in the Middle East who may be affected by the conflict.
“Ancient history taught us about Persia’s ability to recover with deadly vengeance,” he pointed out.
I trust that concerned government agencies already have in place workable evacuation and contingency plans for more than 2 million OFWs currently deployed in the Middle East, Lacson stressed.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada also said his “thoughts and prayers are with all civilians” especially with the Filipinos residing in Israel and Iran who are caught in the crossfire.
“Diplomacy should always prioritize tact over aggression, and dialogue must take precedence over hostility. I stand with those who strongly advocate for restraint, open communication, and the de-escalation of the armed conflict between Israel and Iran,” Estrada said.
Even though the conflict is happening far from the Philippines, Estrada said one cannot help but be concerned about the worsening situation, since countless innocent civilians are affected “including our compatriots living and working in the Middle East.”
“While our government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other relevant agencies, is closely monitoring the situation, I urge them to continually reassure our fellow citizens that we are prepared to provide all necessary assistance and protection,” he said.
Sen. Imee Marcos also expressed her concern over the US’ involvement in the war between Iran and Israel as this signals a significant escalation of hostilities and elevates the risk of a broader conflict within the region.
“I am deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of millions of Filipinos in the region who may be caught in the cross-fire and whose jobs may now be in peril,” Marcos said.
“I am also troubled by the effects of the conflict on our economy as fuel prices continue to surge, affecting not only the transport sector, but also the agricultural, manufacturing, and industrial sectors of the Philippines, among many others,” she added.
She appealed to the international community to prioritize peace, avoid further escalation of the hostilities, and seek every diplomatic channel available to put an end to the crisis.
Marcos also called on the DFA, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) to continuously assess the security status of all Filipinos in the region and enhance emergency response protocols.
She also asked relevant agencies to closely coordinate with host governments for rapid repatriation of citizens, should the same become necessary.
“Finally, I urge the National Government to put in place an action plan to mitigate the effects of rising oil prices and to ensure that displaced Filipinos will have sufficient livelihood and financial support,” she stressed.

Related Tags

Israel-Iran attacks nuclear sites United States (US) Trump administration ping lacson Jinggoy Estrada imee marcos OFWs
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