President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to ensure the safety of Filipinos in the Gulf region following coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.
In a social media post, Marcos said the government is gathering additional information and has ordered agencies to implement contingency plans.
“In the meantime, the safety of Filipino citizens in Iran and in the Middle East is paramount. I have instructed the DFA and the DMW to take measures to determine their whereabouts in affected areas and to take immediate measures to ensure their safety,” he said.
The DFA expressed concern over the escalated tensions and called on all parties to pursue dialogue to restore peace and stability.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro assured the President that Philippine embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv are on full alert and ready to assist affected Filipinos, along with embassies in Gulf Cooperation Council countries hosting large Filipino communities.
No Filipinos were reported harmed during the strikes. The DFA advised citizens to stay in safe locations and avoid public areas.
Reports indicated that the US and Israel launched multiple strikes across Iran, with explosions in central Tehran and other areas.
Meanwhile, Iran reportedly targeted a US military base in Bahrain, with two missiles intercepted over Qatar, and explosions heard in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.