With hostilities escalating in the Middle East following coordinated military strikes on Iran, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the full mobilization of government agencies to locate, monitor, and protect Filipinos living and working in the region.
In a statement released Saturday evening, Marcos said initial reports confirmed airstrikes hitting Iranian territory, prompting Philippine authorities to immediately seek verified information from diplomatic posts on the ground. He stressed that the welfare of Filipino nationals remains the government’s top priority amid the rapidly evolving security situation.
The President directed the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers to coordinate closely with embassies and labor offices to determine the whereabouts of Filipinos in affected areas and to take swift action should evacuations or emergency assistance become necessary.
Malacañang said the Philippines is closely monitoring developments after the United States and Israel confirmed launching a major military operation against Iran, raising fears of a broader regional conflict that could endanger migrant communities across the Middle East.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, quoted in a Palace statement, said the Philippines is deeply concerned over the latest escalation and urged all parties involved to immediately return to dialogue and negotiations to prevent further instability. She emphasized that diplomacy remains essential to safeguarding civilians and foreign nationals caught in the conflict.
According to the DFA, Philippine embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv have been placed on full alert status, alongside posts in Gulf Cooperation Council countries where large Filipino populations reside. Embassy teams have been instructed to maintain constant communication with nationals, update contingency plans, and provide assistance at short notice.
As of Saturday evening, authorities reported that no Filipinos have been injured or directly affected by the strikes. The DFA reiterated its advisory urging Filipinos in Iran and nearby areas to remain indoors, avoid public spaces, and follow guidance from local authorities and Philippine embassies.
The heightened alert follows a wave of strikes that reportedly caused explosions and plumes of smoke in Tehran, as Washington and Tel Aviv cited security concerns tied to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
The unfolding crisis has triggered renewed anxiety among overseas Filipino workers and their families, even as the Philippine government reassured the public that protective measures are firmly in place.
