Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola (at the head of the table) activates the embassy crisis management team following heightened tensions in the region after Israel mounted a military attack against Iran on June 13, 2025. Mendiola is personally overseeing efforts to monitor the situation on the ground, coordinate with Israeli and Philippine authorities, and ensure that timely advisories and support are extended to Filipinos in need. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Embassy in Israel)
The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv has activated its crisis management team in response to the escalating security situation in the Middle East, following Israel’s direct military strike on Iran on Friday.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola is personally overseeing the embassy’s crisis response, coordinating with both Israeli and Philippine authorities, and ensuring timely updates and assistance to the Filipino community.
“The safety and well-being of Filipinos in Israel remain the Embassy’s top priority,” the Embassy said in a statement dated June 13. It also urged Filipinos to strictly follow security protocols from Israel’s Home Front Command and to stay alert for official advisories.
During a live interview on Radyo Pilipinas Saturday morning, Mendiola provided firsthand updates on the situation. While speaking, sirens sounded in the background, prompting her to momentarily seek shelter from a potential air raid.
She noted that sirens had blared at least 12 times in Tel Aviv on Friday alone, and authorities were expecting more missile threats in southern Israel on Saturday.
“Israel is now dealing with threats on seven fronts—Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and the Houthis in Yemen. Among these, the situation with Iran remains the most critical,” Mendiola said.
She also confirmed intermittent missile launches from Yemen, attributed to the Houthis, as part of the ongoing regional conflict.
Despite the mounting tensions, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reported that no Filipinos have been injured in the recent exchange of airstrikes between Iran and Israel.
According to DFA records, there are 30,742 Filipinos residing in Israel and about 1,180 in Iran, many of whom are married to Iranian citizens.
Filipinos in Israel requiring urgent assistance may contact the Philippine Embassy via its 24/7 emergency hotline at +972 54 4661188 or through email at telaviv.pe@dfa.gov.ph.
