The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has lowered the alert level in Iran from level 3 to 2.
(DFA Photo)
It brings the alert level from voluntary repatriation to restriction phase.
"In view of the positive developments in the security situation in Iran, the Department of Foreign Affairs lowers the Alert Level in Iran from Level 3 (Voluntary Repatriation) to Level 2 (Restriction Phase), effective immediately," the DFA said on Friday, July 18.
Despite the lowering of the alert level, the Philippine Embassy in Tehran will continue facilitating the voluntary repatriation of Filipinos, the DFA added.
The department further said that it will closely monitor the situation in the region and will update the alert levels, as necessary.
In a Palace briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Marcos directed concerned agencies to provide assistance to Filipinos affected by the situation in the Middle East.
"So, still ang direktibo po ng ating Pangulo ay kung ano po ang pangangailanganin ng ating mga kababayan at hindi po mag-aatubili ang ating administrasyon at bigyan sila ng pansin sa anumang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan (So, still the directive of the President is: whatever our fellow citizens may need, the administration will not hesitate to give them attention and address any of their needs)," Castro said.
With the lowering of alert level, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has allowed the deployment of returning workers to Iran, but the deployment of newly-hired workers is still banned.
The alert level for Filipinos in Iran was raised to 3 almost a month ago due to the conflict between Israel and Iran in June.