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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos to OFWs in conflict zones: Nothing is more important than your safety

Marcos to OFWs in conflict zones: Nothing is more important than your safety

Published Jun 23, 2025 06:13 pm

At A Glance

  • Marcos said the Philippines has raised Alert Level 3 in both Israel and Iran and has activated a voluntary repatriation program for Filipinos who wish to return home.
President Marcos assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East that the government is doing everything to ensure their safety amid rising tensions in the region, saying their well-being remains the top priority.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Bongbong Marcos/Facebook)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Bongbong Marcos/Facebook)
“Nothing is more important than the safety of every Filipino,” he said in a video statement on Monday, June 23, following the escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran.
“Your government continues to act and is ready to serve to protect your safety and well-being,” he added.
Marcos said the Philippines has raised Alert Level 3 in both Israel and Iran and has activated a voluntary repatriation program for Filipinos who wish to return home.
“I have directed all concerned government agencies to take the necessary steps to ensure the safe, timely, and orderly return of our Filipino workers who wish to avail of the voluntary repatriation program,” he said.
The President said the government is processing more than 200 repatriation requests in Israel and is working quickly to bring affected Filipinos home. Others, he noted, have chosen to remain at work.
He added that the government is closely monitoring a Filipino caregiver in Israel who remains hospitalized.
“We continue to monitor our OFW caregiver who remains in hospital—stable but still on oxygen support and a ventilator,” he said.
“We are in touch with her family and are making sure she gets the care that she needs,” she added.

Status of OFWs

President Marcos confirmed that Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac is in Amman, Jordan, to receive the first batch of 26 OFWs from Israel.
In Israel, Marcos said the Philippine government has provided food packs and financial help to OFWs, many of whom are staying in the Filipino migrant workers’ office hostel, with more space ready should it be needed.
In Iran, preparations are underway to repatriate an initial batch of eight Filipinos, with more expected to follow in the coming days.
President Marcos encouraged Filipinos in Israel and Iran to coordinate with the Philippine embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran.
“Please follow their guidance, inform them of your situation, and do not hesitate to ask for assistance,” he said.

Comprehensive aid upon return

Marcos said that repatriated Filipinos will receive a full support package from the government, including P150,000 in immediate assistance, accommodation, transportation, and livelihood aid.
“Upon arrival in the Philippines, they will receive immediate support from the government… with training vouchers to help them recover and to start again,” he said.
He added that OFWs who choose to stay in the Philippines for good will get additional assistance for job matching, skills training, and small business support.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos ofws Israel-Iran attacks
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