MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday assured Filipinos seeking to leave the escalating war in the Middle East that the government is working on ways to bring them home safely.
The President said at least 1,416 Filipinos have requested repatriation as the United States and Israel continue airstrikes on Iran, with Tehran retaliating against neighboring countries.
However, Marcos acknowledged that evacuation efforts are complicated by the closure of regional airspace and airports due to ongoing hostilities.
“We will slowly try to find ways. For those who want to be repatriated, we will find ways to get you out safely,” he said during a press briefing.
While awaiting possible evacuation arrangements, Marcos urged Filipinos in affected areas to remain indoors and follow instructions from local authorities.
He identified Israel as currently the most dangerous location for Filipinos, citing continuous missile attacks.
The President noted that Israel has extensive bomb shelter systems due to its history of conflict, and advised Filipinos there to take shelter whenever air raid alarms are sounded.
To ensure safer temporary accommodations, the Philippine government has coordinated with several hotels located near bomb shelters so Filipinos can quickly access protection during attacks.
CONFLICT INTENSIFIES
The war began Saturday with a strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, hostilities between the United States and Iran have escalated rapidly.
US President Donald Trump said the military campaign is progressing “substantially” ahead of schedule but could continue for more than four weeks.
He outlined objectives that include dismantling Iran’s missile systems, naval forces, and nuclear program, as well as halting its support for armed groups across the region. Notably, he said regime change is not among the goals.
The US State Department has urged Americans to leave the Middle East, from Egypt eastward, amid growing instability.
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting several countries, including Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and parts of the United Arab Emirates. Tehran has also warned that it may take steps that could disrupt global energy supplies.
Oil prices surged nearly 14 percent on Monday before easing slightly, while European natural gas prices jumped close to 40 percent after Qatar temporarily halted liquefied natural gas production.
Tensions have further intensified after a commander from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threatened to block maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route, raising fears of broader economic fallout.
As the conflict widens, Philippine authorities continue to monitor the situation while preparing contingency measures for affected overseas Filipino workers in the region.