List of alert levels raised by PH gov't across Middle East and what they mean
This image from video provided by U.S. Central Command shows a missile being launched from from a U.S. Navy ship in support of Operation Epic Fury on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (U.S. Central Command via AP)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday, March 2, released the current list of Crisis Alert Levels in countries in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
The DFA is the prime source of alert levels for Filipinos in any country, as it is the one setting them.
Here are the current alert level statuses in the following countries, according to the DFA:
- Iran - Alert Level 2
- Iraq - Alert Level 3
- Israel - Alert Level 2
- Jordan - Alert Level 1
- Lebanon - Alert Level 3
- Palestine - Alert Level 4
- Syria - Alert Level 4
- Yemen - Alert Level 4
According to the DFA, there are no alert levels raised in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, as earlier reported by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in a press briefing at Malacañan.
UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar were hit by missiles fired by Iran, particularly in areas where there are US military bases, in retaliation for Tel Aviv and Washington's joint Feb. 28 attack.
Here is what each of the alert levels means:
Alert Level 1 (Precautionary Phase) - Issued when there are signs of internal disturbance or instability, or when an external threat is limited to a specific area. Under this level, Filipinos are advised to take precautions and avoid non-essential movement. Those with travel plans to the affected country are advised to exercise normal caution and avoid affected areas.
Alert Level 2 (Restriction Phase) - Issued when violence or instability spreads to neighboring areas or when an external attack becomes imminent. Filipinos are advised to shelter in place and avoid high-risk areas. Those planning to travel to the affected country are urged to exercise increased caution due to heightened security risks.
Alert Level 3 (Voluntary Repatriation Phase) - Issued when unrest escalates significantly or when an external threat becomes imminent. Filipinos are advised to evacuate voluntarily through relocation or repatriation. Travel to the affected country is strongly discouraged due to serious risks to safety and security.
Alert Level 4 (Mandatory Evacuation Phase) - Issued in cases of large-scale civil conflict or full-blown external attack. Filipinos are urged to evacuate and join government-led repatriation efforts. Travel to the affected country is prohibited. The concerned Post fully implements its Contingency Plan and coordinates evacuation and repatriation operations.