‘No emergency evacuation yet for Pinoys in Israel, Iran’

MANILA, Philippines — There is no need yet for mandatory repatriation of Filipinos in Israel and Iran, President Marcos said yesterday, as the raging hostilities between the two countries threaten to further escalate and undermine the global economy.

Speaking to reporters in Quezon City, Marcos said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac is set to travel to Jordan to coordinate the evacuation of Filipinos in Israel and Iran who had sought assistance from the government.

“Of course, we are watching our nationals both in Israel and in Iran. And as a matter of fact, we have already contacted all our nationals and asked them if they want to be evacuated,” the President said.

“Some have asked to be evacuated out of Israel. Some in Iran, at first, did not want to leave. But now, some are saying they need to. They are afraid so they are seeking help so they can leave,” he added.

Asked if the government would raise the status of the situation in Israel and Iran to Alert Level 4 or mandatory repatriation, Marcos replied: “No, not yet. We generally leave it to each individual or each family to decide for themselves whether or not they feel safe, or whether or not they would like to be evacuated.”

Israel is under Alert Level 2 or restriction phase. Under this alert level, only returning overseas Filipino workers with existing employment contracts are permitted to go back to their destination country to resume their employment.

But last night, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it may “temporarily” raise the alert level in Israel from 2 (restriction phase) to 3 or voluntary repatriation, due to escalating hostilities.

The DFA also said 21 Filipinos – including 17 officials – managed to cross from Israel into Jordan and are awaiting flight to Manila. Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said they are expected to arrive in Manila by weekend.

Marcos said the shutdown of several airports is posing problems to evacuation efforts. “We are looking for a route where they can leave. But we have been able to do that,” he added.

Of the 150 Filipinos in Israel who requested repatriation, 26 have confirmed and are now being processed, the Philippine embassy in Israel said.

The Filipina in critical condition due to severe and life-threatening injuries needs to undergo major surgery. The embassy said she is receiving medical care at the Intensive Care Unit of Shamir Medical Center, one of Israel’s most advanced hospitals.

One is still confined at the Kaplan Medical Center with moderate-serious injuries, while five have been discharged after receiving treatment for minor injuries.

Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said the Israeli government is willing to shoulder the hospitalization and medical expenses of the injured Filipinos.

The missile attacks on Israel has displaced 49 Filipinos, who lost their homes. “They are currently being housed in temporary accommodations. This number includes an infant who was just born on 10 June,” the embassy said.

Fuel subsidies

In the same interview, Marcos said the government is bracing for higher fuel prices as the conflict may disrupt the delivery of oil products.

“So, the subsidies that we have always given, fuel subsidies… If you remember during the pandemic, especially the transport workers, in order for them to have a livelihood, we gave them fuel subsidies,” the Chief Executive said.

“Now, we will have to do the same for those who are severely affected, stakeholders, by any instability in the price of oil. Yes, it’s a serious problem,” he added.

The conflict started June 13 when Israel attacked military and nuclear facilities in Iran, supposedly to prevent the Islamic state from producing a nuclear weapon.

More than 200 people have died in the exchange of fire between the two countries.

Speaker Martin Romualdez has called for restraint and diplomacy as he urged concerned government agencies to make sure Filipinos in Israel and Iran are safe and secure.

“We are watching these developments with grave concern. Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., our foremost priority is the protection of our overseas Filipino workers who may be caught in the crossfire of this dangerous standoff,” Romualdez said in a statement.

“We expect our frontline agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety and security of our kababayans, including possible repatriation plans should the situation worsen,” he said.

Romualdez emphasized that the Philippines has consistently supported diplomatic solutions to armed conflict.

“We call on all parties involved to take a step back and allow diplomacy to do its work,” Romualdez said.

“This is a time for dialogue, not destruction. Any further escalation will only deepen human suffering and destabilize an already fragile region,” he added.

“No Filipino should be left behind in a time of crisis. The House stands in full solidarity with our OFWs and will work closely with our executive agencies to ensure their welfare,” Romualdez maintained.

“This conflict is unfolding in a region that has known too much war and too little peace. The world must not allow another full-blown crisis to erupt,” Romualdez said.

As diplomatic channels remain open, the Speaker urged Filipino communities abroad to stay calm, monitor official advisories and keep communication lines open with Philippine embassies and consulates.

“The best way to face uncertainty is through unity and vigilance. We will not waver in our commitment to every Filipino’s safety, wherever they may be in the world,” Romualdez said.

Tagbilaran, Bohol Bishop Alberto Uy urged Filipinos to turn to God for help in the face of the worsening situation in the Middle East.

“So many lives – especially those of innocent children, the elderly and the poor – are being torn apart by violence, hatred and fear. Lord, we ask You to stretch out Your mighty hand and stop the bloodshed, heal the wounded and comfort the grieving,” Uy said in a prayer he composed and wished to share with the faithful.

“Touch the hearts of leaders and decision-makers, that they may turn away from vengeance and choose the path of peace,” he added.

“We entrust this wounded region to the care of Mary, Queen of Peace, who once watched her own Son suffer for the sake of love. May she intercede for the people of the Middle East, and protect all those living in fear and despair. May they become instruments of healing and conversion,” he said.

“Grant that from this time of pain may rise a new dawn of hope, built on dialogue, reconciliation and respect for human dignity.” — Jose Rodel Clapano, Evelyn Macairan, Pia Lee-Brago