More Pinoys in Iran, Israel seeking repatriation

MANILA, Philippines — The number of Filipinos seeking repatriation from Israel and Iran has gone up to more than 100, with 24 of them making the request immediately after Israel launched its first missile and drone strikes last week.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said that of the 109 Filipinos who opted for repatriation, 85 had already been waiting to be sent back to the Philippines even before Israel launched its attack on Iran.

“So far, 24 have manifested their wish to come home after the attack on Iran. This is a live count, it is increasing every day,” Cacdac told ANC yesterday.

Meanwhile, Malacañang said measures are in place to cushion the impact of rising global oil prices on the country’s vulnerable sectors as Israel and Iran continue to fire missiles at each other.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Department of Energy officer-in-charge Sharon Garin assured Malacañang that the DOE is closely watching the situation in the Middle East.

Oil companies are required to have a 30-day inventory of fuel, Castro said.

“If the price of crude oil increases by more than $80 per barrel, the subsidy for fuel for public transport and fisherfolk will be triggered,” Castro said at a press briefing.

The Palace official said the DOE may also talk with oil companies to maintain inventory levels and spread out the oil price adjustments as much as possible.

“That is of course voluntary and can be reached through good dialogue,” she said.

As of June 16, the price of Dubai crude reached $73 per barrel. Under the existing policy, fuel assistance for public transport drivers and farmers is automatically activated when the price breaches $80 per barrel.

The 2025 General Appropriations Act provides for an allocation of P2.5 billion through the Department of Transportation for fuel subsidies to drivers of public utility vehicles, taxis, ride-hailing services and delivery platforms nationwide, the DOE said.

“Our immediate priority is to ensure that our fuel supply remains stable and sufficient and that any local price adjustments are managed in a way that minimizes disruption to our economy,” Garin said.

“Through close coordination with the oil industry and strict monitoring of inventory levels, we are working to maintain energy security while preparing targeted interventions to support the most affected sectors,” she added.

Fuel prices increased yesterday by as much as P1.80 per liter, a consequence of the escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), on the other hand, has an allocation of P585 million to support farmers and fisherfolk in the agricultural sector who may be adversely affected by rising fuel costs, it said.

Castro said the government is also prepared to minimize the impact of the crisis in the Middle East on the prices of fertilizers.

“We spoke with DA Secretary (Francisco Tiu) Laurel Jr. a while ago and he said the DA is ready if this happens. We can acquire (fertilizers) from other parts of the world that are close to us, like Brunei,” the Palace official said.

“The DA also sees that this (hostilities) will not cause long-term problems, especially if the sea lanes are not closed. So let’s just pray for that,” she added.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines “is gravely concerned over heightened tensions in the Middle East following Israel’s airstrikes on Iran.”

“With the welfare of the people of the Middle East and the Filipinos there in mind, the Philippines urges concerned countries to deescalate and follow the path of peace,” the DFA said. — Jasper Emmanuel Arcalas, Mayen Jaymalin