By Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday reminded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant following reported explosions in the kingdom.
“Umiwas sa mga lugar na maaaring maging target ng pag-atake, gaya ng mga pasilidad ng militar, refinery, at iba pang kahalintulad na pasilidad. Pinaalalahanan din ang mga nasa paliparan na umiwas sa mga mataong lugar (Avoid areas that could be potential targets of attacks, such as military facilities, refineries, and other similar installations. Those at the airport are also reminded to avoid crowded areas),” the DMW said in a social media post.
OFWs with upcoming flights were also advised to check their booking emails or contact their airlines directly to confirm any changes in flight schedules before heading to the terminal.
The DMW asked all OFWs to follow directives from Saudi authorities and monitor official updates from the Philippine Embassy, Consulates, and Migrant Workers Offices (MWO) in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar.
Security updates can also be tracked directly through local channels, including the Saudi Civil Defense.
The DMW underscored strict compliance with Saudi laws, especially in taking photos and videos of attacks.
“Ayon sa paalala, mahigpit itong ipinagbabawal sa Saudi Arabia at may kaukulang parusa (According to the reminder, this is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia and carries corresponding penalties),” the post read.
Filipinos in need of urgent support can reach out through the following regional contact details:
In Riyadh Central Region, assistance is available via the Philippine Embassy Assistance to Nationals hotline at +966 56 989 3301; the Migrant Workers Office and OWWA in Riyadh can be contacted by phone at +966 50 285 0944 or by email at mwo_riyadh@dmw.gov.ph and welfare_riyadh@owwa.gov.ph.
In Jeddah, Filipinos may contact the Philippine Consulate General Assistance to Nationals (ATN) line at +966 55 521 9613 or +966 55 521 9614, the MWO office at +966 56 981 9720 or via email to mwo_jeddah@dmw.gov.ph, and OWWA at +966 54 473 7797 or send an email to jeddah@owwa.gov.ph.
Meanwhile, in Al Khobar, OFWs can contact both MWO and OWWA at +966 56 232 9926, or via email at mwo_alkhobar@dmw.gov.ph and alkhobar@owwa.gov.ph.
According to an Anadolu Agency report, the Saudi-led coalition said early Tuesday that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed three missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi group toward Saudi Arabia.
Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said on the US social media platform X that air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile and a cruise missile fired toward Riyadh, along with another ballistic missile launched toward southern Saudi Arabia.
Earlier Monday, al-Maliki said coalition forces destroyed three Houthi facilities in the capital Sanaa used to produce ballistic missile components, solid fuel and electronic systems.
Earlier in the day, an attack on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline in the western Medina region caused a small fire, said an Energy Ministry official. No casualties were reported, and pipeline operations were unaffected. The official did not identify who carried out the attack.
The incidents come amid continued hostilities between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition, which supports Yemen’s internationally recognized government. (PNA)
