Committee on Migrant Workers Chairperson Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed alarm over the escalating strikes between Israel and Iran which are second homes to thousands of Filipinos.
The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iran to dismantle the latter’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. Iran later launched a wave of retaliatory drone and missile attacks on Israel.
When news of the tension broke, Tulfo immediately called relevant agencies and officials to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of Filipinos in the areas.
“The area hardest hit by Iranian missile attacks in Israel is the city of Rehovot wherein four Filipinos have been hospitalized.”
In a call with Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, he said the area hardest hit by Iranian missile attacks in Israel is the city of Rehovot wherein four Filipinos have been hospitalized.
Based on data provided by the DMW and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), there are 31,000 Filipinos working and living in Israel – around 80% of which are caregivers.
Tulfo also contacted Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola to ask for updates. Mendiola shared that Israel has sustained 365 ballistic missiles from Iran as of June 17, adding that the embassy is currently extending assistance to a total of 56 OFWs consisting of 49 relocation cases and 7 medical cases in Israel.
Upon coordination with DFA Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Eduardo de Vega, he confirmed that the first batch of 26 repatriates (out of 150 who wish to go home) from Israel are leaving via Jordan and could be flying home this weekend.
Meanwhile, in Iran, Philippine Ambassador to Iran Robert Manalo told Tulfo that out of 2,000 Filipinos living, they have identified 14 OFWs working as restaurant staff, which De Vega said have indicated their desire to return to the Philippines.
De Vega added that they are still working on the repatriation of the 14 OFWs because of the difficulty of getting buses for the 13-hour land trip to neighboring Turkmenistan since they cannot fly from Tehran as the airport is closed.
“A united and concerted efforts among government agencies – especially DMW, DFA and OWWA – are important during these trying times.”
Tulfo stressed that united and concerted efforts among government agencies, especially DMW, DFA and OWWA are important during these trying times.
The legislator also underscored “the need for DFA, DMW and OWWA to prepare for a possible mass repatriation in case attacks between two countries continue to worsen”.
“Mahalagang matukoy ng ating gobyerno ang lokasyon ng lahat ng mga Pilipinong nasa Iran at Israel, pati na rin ang mga undocumented workers, at masigurong agad silang mare-repatriate kung kakailanganin,” the lawmaker said.
On this, Cacdac assured the senator that the DMW has already opened the lines of communication with other pertinent agencies, under our one-country approach, should there be a need of mass repatriation out of the affected areas.
