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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Speaker Dy tells DFA, DMW to be on their toes as Middle East conflict rages

Speaker Dy tells DFA, DMW to be on their toes as Middle East conflict rages

Published Mar 2, 2026 09:01 am

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III has told the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to be on their toes in protecting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III (MANILA BULLETIN)
House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III (MANILA BULLETIN)


House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III has told the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to be on their toes in protecting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
"We are closely monitoring developments in Iran and the broader Middle East with serious concern for the safety and welfare of our countrymen in the region, particularly our hardworking [OFWs]," Dy said in a statement on Sunday night, March 1.
"We call on the [DFA] and the [DMW] to ensure that contingency plans are fully operational, that assistance teams are ready, and that communication lines remain open and responsive at all times," he said.
The Isabela 6th district congressman underscored that OFWs were essential to the country and its economy, and that it was is vital to ensure their safety and provide the necessary support in times of need.
"We acknowledge and commend the decisive actions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in directing concerned government agencies to determine the whereabouts of Filipinos in the Middle East, to take immediate steps to ensure their safety, and to activate contingency measures as tensions escalate following recent developments in the region," Dy said.
The House leader called on his fellow Filipinos in the Middle East to remain cautious in affected areas and to follow the official advisories from the Philippine government.
"We continue to hope for a peaceful resolution of tensions and firmly reaffirm that the safety and protection of our people will always be our foremost priority," he added.
The more than 2.4 million OFWs in the Middle East, according to government data.
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