By Roy Mabasa Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adnan Alonto has assured Filipinos working in Saudi Arabia that the government is prepared to assist them in crisis situations despite the apparent easing of tension between the United States and Iran over the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani last January 3. Ambassador Adnan Alonto
(DFA / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Alonto made this assurance during a contingency planning of all embassy officers and staff last week to raise the readiness not just of its personnel but of the entire Filipino community on how to respond to crisis situations. The day-long seminar were attended by Embassy staff and its attached agencies such as the Philippines Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, Police Attaché’s Office, and Foreign Liaison’s Office. During the workshop, the embassy reviewed and refined the plan for responding to crisis situations and identified critical gaps and areas for improvement. Furthermore, the embassy briefed the Filipino community members on the latest security situation in Saudi Arabia and the general procedures and protocols that will be followed in case a crisis erupts in the region. Alonto said the situation in Saudi Arabia remains stable and secure and the Philippine missions in the entire region are continuously preparing for every contingency. Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers Abdullah “Dabs” Mamao met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in the capital Tehran to convey the message of the Philippine government regarding its concern over the plight of Filipinos there amid the brewing tension between the US and Iran. Mamao also exchanged views with the Iranian foreign minister on regional and international issues, as well as on the economic ties between Manila and Tehran. About 1,600 Filipinos are currently working in Iran.