DFA Considers Travel Advisory Amid Middle East Tensions
Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recently convened to discuss the next steps following Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear and missile facilities. The DFA is carefully evaluating the situation and the possible issuance of a travel advisory to protect Filipino citizens abroad.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega emphasized that while the Philippines is not currently deploying overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Iran or Iraq, the government remains vigilant about the safety of Filipinos residing in these countries. “Iyong aming officials ay nakikipagpulong kung ano ang next step ‘no, kung gagawa tayo ng travel advisory or anything kasi right now, hindi naman tayo nagpapadala ng OFWs sa mga bansa doon,” he explained in a recent interview.
Filipino Presence in Iran and Iraq
De Vega noted that there are approximately 4,000 Filipinos in total between Iran and Iraq. In Iran, around 2,000 Filipinos mainly consist of Filipinas married to Iranian nationals, thus holding Iranian citizenship. “Ang mga Pilipino sa Iran ay mga Pilipina na kasal sa Iranian, so Iranian citizens ang mga iyan. So, mas malaki ang responsibility, obviously, ng Iranian government sa kanila,” he added.
Monitoring Possible Retaliation
The DFA is also closely watching the potential for retaliatory attacks by Iran against Israel, where around 50,000 Filipinos live. This concern extends to Iraq, which could become a target next. With less than 2,000 Filipinos there and no current deployment of workers, the Philippine Embassy in Iraq has already issued an advisory to inform and protect the community.
De Vega shared, “Iyong Iraq, siyempre nababahala rin baka sila naman ang susunod kaya mayroong advisory. E, kakaunti rin ang Pilipino sa Iraq kasi hindi naman tayo nagdi-deploy sa Iraq ngayon. Siguro mga less than 2,000.”
Embassies Ready to Assist Filipinos
In response to the volatile situation, Philippine embassies in Iran, Iraq, and Israel are prepared to provide shelter and support to Filipinos who might be affected by the ongoing conflict. The DFA continues to monitor developments closely to ensure timely and effective assistance.
For more news and updates on Israel’s attacks on Iran, visit Filipinokami.com.